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.
Spotlight
Swan Boat Opening
Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department are pleased to announce that the popular Boston Swan Boats will open for the 2024 season at the Boston Public Garden lagoon.
Mayor's Coffee Hours
Coffee hours give residents the chance to speak with the Mayor and staff from City departments.
Hike Boston
Hiking series where we invite you to join us for a walk in one of Boston's parks or urban wilds or for an interpretive program.
Rose Garden Party
Join us for a fundraising event supporting free family programming in public parks throughout Boston.
Places to visit
Places to visitEmerald 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.