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.

  • Garden Arbor (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 »

  • 2013 Swan Boats (75)

    Upcoming Events In Boston's parks!

    Mayor Menino invites you to enjoy FREE events in our parks! Join us for arts and crafts, music, science, and outdoor fun throughout the year.

    Upcoming Events Calendar »

  • 2013 OSP survey clip art

    Take part in the City of Boston's Open Space Plan Survey!

    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.  Please fill out the survey which is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, Cape Verdean Creole, and Portuguese!

    Open Space Questionnaire »

    Open Space Survey Press Release »

  • Coffee Cup

    Mayor Menino Invites Residents to Annual Neighborhood Coffee Hours

    Mayor Menino and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department invite residents to enjoy informational Coffee Hours in neighborhood parks throughout the city. The annual series, sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts, will take place from April 17 - June 3.

    2013 Coffee Hour Locations & Information »

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    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 Newsletter.

    More About Historic Burying Grounds Initiative »

    Jan 2013 Newsletter »

Forms, Permits & Applications

Service Requests

Reports & Publications

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 »


  • Frieda Garcia Park Ribbon Cutting
    Long-time South End Community leader Frieda Garcia joins Secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Richard Davey and John Hancock President Craig Bromley for the grand opening of Frieda Garcia Park in South End. Watch Video »
  • Swan Boats Opening 2013
    The First Lady of Boston, Angela Menino, kicks off the spring and summer season with the first ride of the swan boats in the Boston Public Garden.Watch Video »

Social Media »

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