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
Boston Common Tree Lighting
The City of Boston and guests from the Province of Nova Scotia will celebrate the 82nd Annual Tree Lighting on Boston Common on Thursday, November 30.
Lighting of The Ship at Martin's Park
Join us for Boston's newest holiday tradition!
Trellis Lighting
Help spread the holiday cheer by joining the Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park for our annual trellis lighting in the North End's Christopher Columbus Park!
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 requests
Trees 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.
Contact
-
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:
