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.
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.
Contact
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1010 Massachusetts Avenue
3rd FloorBoston, MA 02118 -
Office hoursMonday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. -
Public hearings and meetings
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, our Tree Removal and Parks and Recreation Commission hearings are being held online:
Spotlight
Places to visit
Places to visit
Emerald Necklace
The 1,100-acre chain of nine parks is linked by parkways and waterways.
Cemeteries / Historic Burying Grounds
We manage three active cemeteries and 16 burying grounds in Boston.
Urban Wilds
The Urban Wilds form an essential part of the City's open space system.
BOS:311 service requests
Service requestsTrees in the City
Trees in the CityThe urban forest is an important part of the City’s landscape.
You can have a street tree planted on the sidewalk in front of your home or business.
If you want to remove a healthy tree, we need to hold a public hearing.
More Parks information
You need our approval for projects within 100 feet of a park.
The official rules and regulations for public parks and other public places.
The program makes the arts available to people using our parks.
The rangers serve the public in the tradition of "park keepers."
The commission was established in 1875 by legislative act.
Every summer, young artists work with professional painters on murals.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our hearings are being held online.
Looking to join your local park friends group? Would you like to start a new partnership?
