Boston Has A Free Sauna Set Up In City Plaza
The start of February usually means a few things. It’s spring training month, groundhogs see the future, and Valentine’s Day happens whether we like it or not. However, this year in Boston, February will also entail a free sauna placed in city hall that is open to all residents.
I’m sorry, what? You read that correctly. There is now a six-person mobile sauna that is stationed in close proximity to Boston’s City Hall. It will be there for the month.
To help answer your “why?” the city issued a press release explaining the intent of this. It said, “By providing a source of warmth and an activity that encourages conversation, the Winter City Sauna pilot program will work to create vibrancy downtown and build stronger, healthier communities year-round.”
Here Is What Else You Need To Know
The sauna space must be reserved in advance. So, you can’t just show up, walk in, break a nasty sweat, and leave. The city’s Culture House platform is where you can check for openings and book your slot. Specifically, this sauna was placed near the Government Center T station. It is on the Cambridge Street side of City Hall Plaza.
In addition, the proper preparations need to be taken into account. The biggest highlight (literally in bold) on Culture House’s instructions are to make sure you arrive wearing your bathing suit (under your clothing). They do not have public showers onsite. So the idea is for you to show up for your sauna session properly bundled up, but ready to hop into the heat with your bathing suit already on.
Here is the last remaining burning question. Is this sauna ever cleaned? The city has your answer saying, “The sauna is cleaned daily and as needed throughout the day.”
The free sauna concept came from and was funded by a grant from the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture’s Downtown & Neighborhood Activation Grant.
Lastly, this free sauna in Boston is only open on the weekends from 1 pm – 8 pm, Friday through Sunday, with the last session occurring at 7 pm. Hot chocolate and Vaz & Mac Tex-Mex Food Truck churros will also be available.
