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Parks and Recreation

We create and maintain clean, green, safe, and accessible open space in more than 2,200 acres of park land throughout Boston.

The Parks and Recreation Department owns 293 properties containing around 2,200 acres of permanently protected open space including the Boston Common, the Public Garden, and the Olmsted-designed Emerald Necklace park system. The City’s parks contain walking trails, playgrounds, recreational courts, natural areas, historic burying grounds, and much more. We maintain 31 urban wilds, 4 high school athletic fields, and operate 2 public golf courses. In addition to the trees within our parks, we care for more than 45,000 public street trees.

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

Spotlight

Forever Young

The program will take place once a week on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. from April 1 to June 25 at City parks.

Rose Garden Party

Our annual fundraising event supporting free family programming in public parks throughout Boston.

Park Ranger Programs

Explore Boston's wildlife and history with our Park Rangers!

Swan Boats

Join us for opening day on April 18.

Duck Boat Challenge

Let's Pull Together for Youth Sports!

Tree Canopy Data

Boston’s tree canopy showed net increases from 2019 to 2024. Explore the data.

Upcoming events

Events
Swan Boats Opening Day 2026
On Apr 18

Apr 18
Swan Boats Opening Day 2026
On Apr 18

Apr 18
Community Volunteer Day in Franklin Park
On Apr 18

Apr 18
Community Volunteer Day in Franklin Park
On Apr 18

Apr 18
Bussey Brook Meadow Clean Up
On Apr 25

Apr 25
Willowwood Rock Urban Wild Spring Cleanup 2026
On May 2

May 2
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’s Cup Lacrosse Tournament to Debut May 15-16 in West Roxbury

Parks and Recreation

Boston Parks Department announces registration for Tenacity’s 2026 Summer Tennis and Reading Program

Parks and Recreation

All girls sports and wellness festival pull ups

Three-Day All Girls Sports And Wellness Festival Returns in April 2026

Parks and Recreation

Boston Parks and Recreation to Host Second Annual Duck Boat Challenge on Boston Common

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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