Boston Parks & Recreation Department Logo (150)

Parks & Recreation

The Parks & Recreation Department provides residents and visitors with clean, green, safe, and accessible open space in more than 2,200 acres of park land throughout the city.

  • Park Arts Summer Guide (200)

    ParkARTS Summer Events

    Boston celebrates the 16th anniversary of ParkARTS, sponsored by Bank of America, with a special offering of concerts, art workshops, programs, and public events across the city.  Events and event dates and times are subject to change. Youth workshops are open to Boston residents only. For general information call (617) 635-4505.

    ParkARTS Performing Arts »

    ParkARTS Participatory Arts »

  • Rose Garden Party (75)

    Annual Rose Garden Party

    The Rose Garden Party is a fundraiser and kick-off event for ParkARTS, Mayor Menino’s initiative to present free yearlong program of arts, cultural and enrichment programs and events in our park system. 

    More Information »

  • Mayor's Garden Contest 2010 (75)

    2012 Garden Contest Nominations Now Open

    Part of Mayor Menino's on-going citywide beautification initiative, the Garden Contest recognizes gardeners who have landscaped, planted flowers, trees, and shrubs, and, in the process, beautified their own small piece of Boston. Residents, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to nominate their own or a neighbor's garden, window box, or yard.

    More Information »

    Nomination Form »

  • Tree Icon (75)

    Copley Square Trees: Plans for removal/replacement

    The Boston Parks and Recreation Department held a public meeting on May 9 to discuss the removal of diseased London Plane trees in Copley Square Park, the planting of new tree species, and the inoculation and pruning of those trees not to be removed.  The tree work will be completed by mid-June.

    Copley Overview »

  • Capital Projects

    Parks Capital Projects Search

    Parks Capital Project Search Use City of Boston MAPS to view data on the Parks Department's capital projects.

    Search »

  • Brewer Fountain at Boston Common (75)

    Brewer Fountain Unveiled

    Mayor Menino joined Parks Commissioner Toni Pollak to unveil the renovated Brewer Fountain in Boston Common. The $643,000 project included a complete restoration and conservation of the bronze and cast iron components of the fountain as well as the modernization of the mechanical parts responsible for the functionality of the sculpture as a fountain.

    Watch Video »

  • Asian Longhorned Beetle (75)

    Asian Longhorned Beetle: Spring 2012 Update

    Asian Longhorn Beetles (ALB) were discovered in 6 trees at the Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain in July 2010. Thanks to the awareness of the grounds crew, the infestation was caught early. Since the onset, more than 70,000 trees have been surveyed and no other ALB damage has been identified.  Environmental Monitoring will also continue throughout 2012. MA ALB Cooperative Eradication Program staff will begin canvassing for participant releases in early May.

    More info »

  • granary (75)

    Historic Burying Grounds Initiative

    Did you know that the Granary Burying Ground was once bordered by both an asylum and a poorhouse? Discover more interesting facts about one of Boston’s most famous historical sites, as well as details regarding its new landscape, in the Historic Burying Grounds Initiative’s Summer Newsletter.

    Summer 2011 Newsletter »

    More About Historic Burying Grounds Initiative »

  • Green Boston Logo (75)

    Parks Department Embraces Sustainability

    The Boston Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce the release of its Sustainable Design Guidelines.  In addition, the Department announced that the William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park has received certification in Environmental Planning from the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.

    Read the full press release »

    Sustainable Design Conclusion & Recommendations »

Forms, Permits & Applications

Reports & Publications

Service Requests

News & Press Releases »


Calendar »

  • See a listing of upcoming events at Boston's Parks.

    View Events Calendar »

Upcoming Meetings »

  • The public is invited to provide input to the Parks Department through community meetings.

    View Upcoming Meetings »

Videos & Multimedia »
  • Party in the Park 2012
    Mayor Menino attends this annual fundraiser to benefit the city's parks system.Watch Video »
  • Fort Point Channel Dock Opening Celebration
    Mayor Menino joined the Friends of the Fort Point Channel to celebrate the opening of 4 new docks. These docks will create 6 points of public access to water transportation and recreation in downtown Boston.Watch Video »

Social Media »

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