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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.

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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

Fall-o-Ween Children's Festival

Fifth annual Fall-o-Ween Children’s Festival

Fall Fitness

Join us for our series of free fitness classes in the parks!

Putting for Parks

Join us for the Second Annual Putting for Parks Golf Tournament!

Help the Boston Common Glow for the Holidays

Keep a beloved tradition glowing — donate today to light up the Boston Common!

Boston Common Tree Lighting Sponsorship Opportunities

Please support one of Boston's most beloved traditions

Forever Young

FREE recreation programs for older adults

Mayor's Cup Soccer Tournament

November 7-9 at Moakley Park

Upcoming events

Events
Mary Ellen Welch Greenway - Project Update
On Oct 9

Oct 9
Parks Fitness: Zumba Gold
On Oct 10

Oct 10
Hike Boston - Roslindale Wetlands
On Oct 10

Oct 10
Parks Fitness: Walking Group with Brandy
On Oct 11

Oct 11
Parks Fitness: Tai Chi with Joe
On Oct 11

Oct 11
Parks Fitness: Kick It by Eliza Class with Ella
On Oct 13

Oct 13
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

The celebration marks the completion of a $4 million renovation, funded in the City’s five-year Capital Plan, to revitalize the park.

Mayor Wu and Boston Parks and Recreation Department Celebrate Improvements to Walsh Playground

Mayor's Office

Fall-o-Ween Children’s Festival returns to Boston Common October 17

Parks and Recreation

Mayor's Cup Soccer 2025

Registration Now Open for Mayor’s Cup Soccer Tournament

Parks and Recreation

Mayor's Cup XC ribbon finish

Mayor’s Cup Cross Country Returns To Franklin Park For 35th Year

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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