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Parks and Recreation

We create and maintain clean, green, safe, and accessible open space in more than 2,300 acres of park land throughout Boston.

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Our department is responsible for 217 City parks, playgrounds and athletic fields, two golf courses, 65 squares, 17 fountains, 75 game courts, 16 historic and three active cemeteries, urban wilds, four High School Athletic Fields, and approximately 125,000 trees, all covering 2,346 acres, 1,000 of which comprise the historic Emerald Necklace. We are also responsible for more than 35,000 street trees.

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Parks Permitting
Playgrounds And Parks In Boston
Planning, Design, And Construction
Work With Us
Park Sports and Activities
Programs, Activities, And Events
Dogs And Boston Parks
Parks And Recreation Commission

Spotlight

Fall-o-Ween Children's Festival

Join us for a festive celebration on Boston Common!

Putting for Parks Golf Tournament

Help support youth recreation programming at our first annual Putting for Parks Golf Tournament

Mayor's Cup Cross Country

Register now for youth and adult division cross country races at Franklin Park

Parks Fall Fitness Series

Join us for both in-person and virtual classes led by certified fitness instructors!

Mayor's Cup Soccer Tournament

Annual soccer tournament and festival

Boston Blooms with Daffodils

Our beautification initiative distributes roughly 15,000 daffodil bulbs every year to volunteers.

Upcoming events

Events
Parks Fitness: Virtual Chair Yoga class with Karma
On Nov 1

Nov 1
Parks Fitness: Walking Group with Brandy
On Nov 2

Nov 2
Sherrin Woods Fall Cleanup
On Nov 2

Nov 2
Parks Fitness: Virtual Zumba class with Lena
On Nov 2

Nov 2
Parks Fitness: Virtual HIIT class with Jacqui
On Nov 3

Nov 3
Parks Fitness: Virtual Strength and Conditioning class with Kerri
On Nov 4

Nov 4
More City events

Places to visit

Places to visit
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Emerald Necklace

The 1,100-acre chain of nine parks is linked by parkways and waterways.

Visit the Emerald Necklace
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Cemeteries / Historic Burying Grounds

We manage three active cemeteries and 16 burying grounds in Boston.

Learn more about cemeteries
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Urban Wilds

The Urban Wilds form an essential part of the City's open space system.

Learn about Urban Wilds

BOS:311 service requests

Service requests
Cemetery maintenance Damaged fountain Damaged play equipment Park maintenance Report a lighting issue Request a new tree Tree maintenance

Latest news

News

Mayor Michelle Wu announced that care and custody of the Franklin Park Bear Dens will return to the Boston Parks Department after years of management by Zoo New England.

Mayor Michelle Wu Announces Transfer of Care and Custody of Franklin Park Bear Dens to Boston Parks Department

Mayor's Office

Boston Common Concession Pavillion

Boston Parks Department Announces Request for Proposals for the Boston Common Concession Pavilion

Parks and Recreation

BEFORE: The paint has worn off the fence post and primer is visible. AFTER: The fence post has been repainted.

Restoration Complete at King's Chapel Burying Ground

Parks and Recreation

Improvements to O'Day Playground Celebrated

Parks and Recreation
More Parks news

Trees in the City

Trees in the City
Caring for Boston's urban forest

The urban forest is an important part of the City’s landscape.
How to get a tree planted on City land

You can have a street tree planted on the sidewalk in front of your home or business.
How to request a tree removal

If you want to remove a healthy tree, we need to hold a public hearing.

About Our Work

Find resources and learn more about our work at Parks and Recreation.

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