City of Boston - Press Releases

ParkARTS Watercolor Workshops Return in June

Parks and Recreation — Fri, 17 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department will be holding its popular summer series of ParkARTS Watercolor Painting Workshops during the month of June at four Boston locations.

The series of eight workshops for budding artists ages nine and up is just one of the many offerings of the 17th annual ParkARTS program sponsored by Bank of America. These hands-on watercolor painting workshops enable participants to create their own greenspace-inspired masterpieces.

Local art...

Rose Garden Party Fundraiser Coming June 13

Parks and Recreation — Fri, 17 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tickets are now on sale for Boston’s Annual Rose Garden Party fundraiser being held on Thursday, June 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kelleher Rose Garden in the Back Bay Fens.

Hosted by Boston’s First Lady Angela Menino and Boston Parks Commissioner Antonia M. Pollak, the event benefits ParkARTS, Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s initiative to present free arts, cultural, and enrichment programs in Boston’s park system.

Now in its 17th year, the Rose Garden...

Parks Survey Seeks Public Input for New Open Space Plan

Parks and Recreation — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

The City of Boston is preparing a new citywide Open Space Plan for the years 2015 to 2021. As part of this effort, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department has developed a questionnaire to enable the public to provide valuable input about their park use and preferences.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino understands the importance that Boston's citizens place on open space and parks and the need for balanced development. With...

Boston Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Agenda May 20

Parks and Recreation — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

BOSTON PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION

PARKS COMMISSION MEETING

1010 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, 3RD FLOOR

MONDAY, May 20th, 2013

10:00 A.M.

DRAFT AGENDA

1) Vote to approve the construction of a single-family dwelling at 1 Imbaro Road, adjacent to the Neponset Valley Parkway, Hyde Park....

Mayor Menino Proclaims Frederick Law Olmsted Day

Parks and Recreation — Thu, 02 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino proclaimed Thursday, April 25 as Frederick Law Olmsted Day in the City of Boston celebrating the “superbly designed” Olmsted parks.

The proclamation states, in part, that the Emerald Necklace and other parks designed by the Olmsted firm have sustained his timeless design goals of providing a safe, relaxing environment for recreation and rejuvenation in an urban setting as well as opportunities to improve health with outdoor exercise. In...

Mayor Menino Announces Neighborhood Coffee Hours

Parks and Recreation — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department will host the 15^th Annual Neighborhood Coffee Hour Series in local parks citywide from May 8 to June 3.

The Neighborhood Coffee Hours give residents a unique opportunity to speak directly with MayorMenino about open space and other needs in their neighborhoods. Through these one-on-one discussions and a suggestion box at each site, Mayor Menino looks forward to hearing how the City of Boston...

Army Corps of Engineers to Begin Muddy River Tests April 30

Parks and Recreation — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

See attachments for official press release and further information.

Mayor Menino Announces Justine Mee Liff Park

Parks and Recreation — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino joined members of the Liff family and open space advocates at the historic Parkman House on Beacon Hill on the afternoon of Thursday, April 4, to announce that a portion of the Emerald Necklace park system in the Back Bay Fens will be named Justine Mee Liff Park. The naming of the parkland honors the late Justine M. Liff, who served as Boston Parks and Recreation Commissioner from 1996 until her untimely passing in 2002.

The area - known in...

Boston Common Carousel Opens April 6

Parks and Recreation — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Due to mild spring weather, the Boston Common Frog Pond Carousel will be opening on Saturday, April 6, at 10 a.m., a week earlier than scheduled

Now in its second year of operation at its location adjacent to the Frog Pond, the Carousel is an American masterpiece built by the Chance Morgan Ride Company of Wichita, Kansas.

An oak floor, beveled glass mirrors, and a standard pie top with a lighted crown all give the Carousel a classic style. The Carousel features a variety...

Anne Frank Tree Unveiling June 4 on Boston Common

Parks and Recreation — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino cordially invites you to the unveiling of the Anne Frank tree sapling on historic Boston Common.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

11:30 a.m.

Boston Common

(near the Earl of Sandwich food vendor on the “Mayor’s Walk”)

Public Garden Lagoon Restoration Project Begins

Parks and Recreation — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino has announced the beginning of a multi-phase project to stabilize the edge of the Boston Public Garden Lagoon.

The first phase, which will renovate approximately one-third of the edge on the north side of the pond, is beginning in the first week of March when the lagoon is routinely drained. This phase, budgeted at $165,700, is expected to be completed by early April. The north side of the pond is the portion where the island is...

Commission Approves Plan For Dog Recreation Space On Boston Common

Parks and Recreation — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The Boston Parks and Recreation Commission today approved a proposal for creating “rotating” off leash dog recreation areas on Boston Common. The approval follows a January 28 public hearing on the plans.

The proponents, The Friends of the Public Garden and Common Canine, will now move forward in raising money to establish and maintain the recreation areas and to restore turf damaged at the site of a...

Mayor Menino Keeps Sharing the Love

Mayor's Office — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

As his “We Love You, Boston” campaign continues, Mayor Thomas M. Menino today invited all Boston families to a Free Family Fun Day at Franklin Park’s William Devine Golf Course in Dorchester on Sunday, February 17, from 12 to 3 p.m.

“I know Boston parents had a tough weekend with their kids cooped up during the storm,” Mayor Menino said. “We’re hoping for a little more snow so families can get outside for some exercise and fresh air. With or...

City Golf Course Permits Now Available

Parks and Recreation — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department has announced that a limited number of 2013 season permits are now available for the City of Boston’s two municipal golf courses - the William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park and the George Wright Golf Course in Hyde Park.

As a season permit holder, golfers are entitled to advance tee time preference, free greens fees, and access to two of the region’s finest golf courses. The Parks Department offers resident, non-resident,...

Mayor Menino Awards Beautify Boston Grants

Parks and Recreation — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino has announced the recipients of Beautify Boston grants offered to qualified not-for-profit organizations. The one-year beautification grant program was announced last fall for Boston’s community groups and open space advocates.

A total of $286,000 has been awarded for 36 approved beautification projects. Grants range from $2,000 to $25,000. Grants of $10,000 or more required an equal match in...

Pool Construction Closes Healy Playground Tot Lot

Parks and Recreation — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Due to concerns for the safety of park users during a neighboring construction project, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department announced this week that the tot lot at Healy Playground in Roslindale is closed at least through June 1, 2013.

On November 26, the Flaherty Pool, located within the park and overseen by Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF), began undergoing a much-needed $5.6 million complete renovation including upgrades to the exterior, all mechanical systems,...

Parks Pathway Improvements Begin

Parks and Recreation — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino has announced improvements to pathways in three downtown Emerald Necklace parks. Contractors have begun working on highly-traveled pedestrian areas on Boston Common, the Public Garden, and Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

The capital construction work is being done on pathways in the greatest decline. In some cases, entire swaths of pathways will be repaired and in others asphalt is being “spot treated” to address the worst of the tripping...

Parks Department Receives Two Preservation Awards

Parks and Recreation — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Two preservation projects on property overseen by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department were recognized with 2012 Preservation Achievement Awards at the annual awards ceremony hosted by the Boston Preservation Alliance at the Paramount Center on October 3.

The Boston Preservation Alliance Preservation Achievement Awards are bestowed annually to honor outstanding achievements in historic preservation and compatible new construction in Boston, as well as individuals and...

Charles Titus Inducted Into LEC Hall of Fame

Parks and Recreation — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Associate Boston Parks Commissioner Charles Titus will be adding to a long list of accomplishments as he is inducted into the Little East Conference Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Providence, RI, in late October.

One of the most prominent and respected names in all of college athletics, Charlie Titus has been the face of UMass Boston athletics for over three decades. He has served the City of Boston as a member of the Boston Parks and Recreation Commission for more than 30...

Mayor's Garden Contest Hall of Fame Announced

Parks and Recreation — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department has announced the inductees in the new Hall of Fame for contestants who have placed three or more times in Mayor Menino’s Garden Contest.

Launched 16 years ago as part of Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s citywide beautification initiative, the annual contest recognizes gardeners who have landscaped, planted flowers, trees, and shrubs, and, in the process, helped beautify Boston’s neighborhoods. The winners of the 2012...

Parks Dept. Announces 2012 Garden Contest Winners

Parks and Recreation — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department has announced the winners of Mayor Menino’s 2012 Garden Contest presented in partnership with sponsors Comcast and the Boston Herald.

Launched 16 years ago as part of Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s citywide beautification initiative, the contest recognizes gardeners who have landscaped, planted flowers, trees, and shrubs, and, in the process, helped beautify Boston’s neighborhoods. First place winners in ten categories will...

Fairview Cemetery Expansion Begins August 1

Parks and Recreation — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department has announced that construction on Fairview Cemetery will commence August 1. The work marks the beginning of a $1,430,000 expansion project at the City owned and operated cemetery located at 28 Fairview Avenue in Hyde Park. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The project will involve the creation of approximately 1,660 new gravesites with a total interment capacity of about 3,200. In keeping with...

Mayor Menino Taps Brian Swett for Top Environment and Energy Post

Environmental & Energy Services — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced that Brian Swett will be the City’s new Chief of Environment and Energy. Swett will lead the next phase of Boston’s sustainability efforts, which are already improving Boston’s neighborhoods in significant ways and have pushed Boston into the top tier of green cities nationally. Mayor Menino made the announcement at the Franklin Park Zoo at an event celebrating Boston GreenFest 2012. Zoo New England will be among 200...

George Wright Golf Course Chosen for USGA and MGA Events

Parks and Recreation — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The City of Boston’s George Wright Golf Course has been chosen for two upcoming events hosted by the U.S. Golf Association (USGA) and Massachusetts Golf Association (MGA).

On Tuesday, June 19, the George Wright will be the location for the local qualifying round for the 2012 USGA Amateur Public Links Championship being held at the Soldier Hollow Golf Club in Midway, UT, from July 9 to 14. More than 50 local golfers have signed up to play 36 holes at stroke play in...

Specials and Lessons Available at Franklin Park Golf Course

Parks and Recreation — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The City of Boston has announced weekday specials for golfers at the William J. Devine Golf Course in Dorchester featuring discounted greens fees with cart rental Monday through Thursday of $42 for residents and $47 for non-residents.

In addition, the Department announced that there are openings for beginner’s golf lessons in July and August. Get Golf Ready is designed to teach adults everything they need to play golf in just a few lessons. Participants focus on the...

Boston Ballet and the Mayor's Office Present Two Community Performances at the Strand Theatre

Arts, Tourism & Special Events — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Boston Public Schools Students and General Public Invited to See Boston Ballet, BBII, and Boston Ballet School Perform with Students from Boston Ballet’s Education and Community Programs

BOSTON, MA – February 27, 2012 – Boston Ballet Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism...

Traps Target Invasive Beetles in City Parks

Parks and Recreation — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department has installed experimental traps at twelve locations in the Emerald Necklace in an effort to protect elm trees from destructive elm bark beetles. The trap monitoring program, undertaken in partnership with the Friends of the Public Garden, is slated to run from March 1 to October 1.

The traps consist of 18.5"x 28" green plywood boxes mounted approximately 15 feet off the ground on trees located at least 150 feet away from any...

Announcing the Boston Cultural Council 2012 Awardees

Arts, Tourism & Special Events — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino and The Boston Cultural Council (BCC) are proud to present this year’s awardees of the Boston Cultural Council Grant.

“It is so important, especially in these economic times, that we continue to support arts and cultural programming in our communities,” said Mayor Menino. “The City of Boston and The Boston Cultural Council are proud to support these outstanding organizations that contribute so much to the rich cultural landscape of...

Mayor Menino Launches Fairmount Indigo Planning Initiative

Mayor's Office — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Today Mayor Thomas M. Menino kicked off the Fairmount Indigo Planning Initiative at a celebration at The Strand Theatre in Upham’s Corner. The two year Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) study will look at short and long term strategies for improving capital investment and job access along the 9.2 mile Fairmount Indigo commuter rail line, which links South Station to Readville, crossing through Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, and Hyde Park.

“I’m excited...

Mayor Menino Announces New Parks Wifi Sites

Parks and Recreation — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino has announced that two new locations in Boston’s neighborhood park system are now WiFi accessible. The two latest facilities to receive WiFi service are Ronan Park and Town Field, both in Dorchester.

With the addition of these two parks, there are now seven Boston Parks and Recreation Department properties with the technology on-site for visitors and residents to access the Internet. The five locations where WiFi has been installed...

Boston's Washington Street Theaters Receive National Historic Preservation Honor Award

Mayor's Office — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today joined representatives from Boston’s historical preservation community, Emerson College, and Suffolk University in Buffalo, New York to accept the esteemed Preservation Honor Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for the restoration of Boston’s Washington Street theaters. The project is one of 23 award winners honored by the National Trust during its 2011 National Preservation Conference held this week in Buffalo. There will also be a...

Lease Signed For Boston Common Eatery

Parks and Recreation — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 04:00:00 GMT

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department has announced that Mayor Thomas M. Menino has signed the lease for the adaptive reuse of the former Men’s Comfort Station on Boston Common with Earl of Sandwich, a Florida-based franchised restaurant chain.

Earl of Sandwich is a collaboration between Robert Earl and John Montagu, the 11th Earl of Sandwich and his son, the Honorable Orlando Montagu, who are direct descendants of the fourth Earl of Sandwich, John Montagu, who is...

(ähts): The Boston Arts Festival Celebrates its 9th Year

Arts, Tourism & Special Events — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino and presenting sponsor TARGET have announced that the 9th annual (ähts): The Boston Arts Festival will take place on Saturday, September 10th & Sunday September 11th from Noon to 6 PM, at Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. “I am proud to say that the Boston Arts Festival has become one of the most anticipated events in Boston’s annual arts calendar. Our city is home to so many gifted visual and performing...

Don't Let Summer Pass You By

Boston Centers for Youth and Families — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Even though the school year is right around the corner, Mayor Thomas M. Menino reminds Boston residents there is still plenty of summer left to enjoy and is hosting a variety of outdoor activities filled with family fun for everyone.

A Hike Along the Bussey Brook Watercourse

What: Follow the watercourse of Bussey Brook beginning at Allandale Woods Urban Wild, through the Arnold Arboretum and end at Bussey Brook Urban...

George Wright Golf Course Named "Best of Boston"

Parks and Recreation — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:00:00 GMT

The City of Boston’s George Wright Golf Course, located at 420 West Street in Hyde Park, has been recognized as “Best Public Golf Course” by Boston Magazine in its 38^th annual “Best of Boston” awards issue.

The magazine says the George Wright course offers “a fun, fair test with lots of elevation changes, and there might not be finer back-to-back holes in the state than the 9^th and 10^th.”

Founded in...

Mayor Menino Proclaims Boston Blooms Day to Bring More Flower Power to City Neighborhoods

Mayor's Office — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today kicked off the first Boston Blooms Day with a Mayoral proclamation declaring today as the first official citywide flower planting day. At Mayor Menino’s direction, the Boston Parks Department is working with other City departments and agencies to plant more flowers on municipal property throughout Boston’s neighborhoods. The Mayor kicked off Boston Blooms Day in Roslindale Square, planting flowers on the Washington Street median...

Parks Department Announces Release of Sustainable Design Guidelines

Parks and Recreation — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:00:00 GMT

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department (BPRD) is pleased to announce the release of its Sustainable Design Guidelines. As part of the Parks Department’s mission to foster and serve the community, a comprehensive review of existing design standards, design details, specifications, and operation and maintenance practices throughout Boston’s park system was undertaken with the goal to improve the overall sustainability of its Parks and Open Spaces.

Based on this...

City of Boston Announces Earl of Sandwich to Lease Pink Palace Property in Boston Common

Mayor's Office — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 04:00:00 GMT

The City of Boston today announced that a vendor has been chosen to lease the "Pink Palace" structure in Boston Common. Earl of Sandwich, a national sandwich shop based in Florida, will lease the building from the City and transform the long-vacant historic structure into a vending kiosk. The Boston Landmarks Commission will review all changes to the structure and a portion of revenues from the business will contribute to the upkeep of Boston Common. The Parks...

Mayor Menino Announces Aggressive Spring Cleanup Program as Severe Winter Comes to an End

Mayor's Office — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today launched an early start to an aggressive spring cleanup effort, dispatching Clean Teams to city neighborhoods after a winter in which Boston experienced severe weather and unprecedented snowfall. The Mayor has directed city agencies and departments to work together and engage residents to implement a more aggressive and more coordinated approach to clearing the city’s roadways and neighborhoods of winter’s remnants. Clean Teams are...

Mayor Menino Opens Nominations for 5th Annual Green Awards

Environmental & Energy Services — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today announced that nominations are open for the 5^th annual Mayor’s Green Awards, honoring Boston businesses and individuals for their outstanding commitment to sustainability. The 2011 awards include four categories: Green Business, Green Residential, Bike Friendly Business, and Sustainable Food. Mayor Menino added the Sustainable Food category this year to highlight the city’s commitment to providing healthy and sustainable food choices....

Mayor Menino Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Millennium Park

Mayor's Office — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Mayor Menino joined Parks Commissioner Antonia Pollak, local children and residents to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Millennium Park in West Roxbury. Over 16 years ago Mayor Menino began the transformation to turn the landfill into a 100-acre recreational area and natural habitat larger than the Boston Common and the Public Garden combined. The $33 million project, completely funded by state and federal grants, took six years to complete and is widely acknowledged as one of the...

Asian Longhorned Beetle Confirmed in Boston

Mayor's Office — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Sightings of the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) have been confirmed on the grounds of the Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain. This is the beetle that eats through and destroys trees. Mayor Menino was joined by federal and state officials to address the situation at a press conference this morning. The infested trees have been removed. The surrounding area was surveyed and no additional infestation was found. A 1.5-mile radius “Restricted Area” has been...

Red Sox Talks and Fenway Challenge Kick Off July 16th

Boston Centers for Youth and Families — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) invite Boston youth to meet players and coaches from the Boston Red Sox organization and compete in a baseball skills session at the annual Red Sox Talks/Fenway Challenge during July and August.

Hosted by BCYF in conjunction with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, the Sox Talks/Fenway Challenges are sponsored by the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Police Activities League. Registration each day is...

Boston Parks Dept. Now on Facebook

Parks and Recreation — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Boston’s residents and visitors can now keep track of what’s happening in City parks by following the Boston Parks and Recreation Department on Facebook.

The new official fan page provides contact information, hours and rates for attractions such as the Swan Boats and Boston Common Frog Pond, scenic and event photos, announcements and updates on coming events, links to permit applications, and access to the new website for the William Devine and George Wright Golf...

City Golf Courses Now on the Web

Parks and Recreation — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Boston’s golfers now have a direct link to the City of Boston’s links thanks to a new website, cityofbostongolf.com.

The site is the newly-launched homepage for the City’s two municipal golf courses, the William J. Devine Golf Course located at One Circuit Drive at Franklin Park and the George Wright Golf Course located at 420 West Street in Hyde Park.

The new website is designed to provide...