Section 17A. For the purpose of promoting recreation, play or sport, the city of Boston, by written order of its commissioner of transportation and written approval by its police commissioner, any other city by ordinance and any town by by-law may provide for the closing to vehicular traffic, during periods of time specified in such order, ordinance or by-law, of any public way or part thereof within the limits of such city or town, except a state highway or a parkway or boulevard, having due regard in every instance to the rights of abutting owners and the general public in the use of such way or part thereof.