city_hall

Official websites use .boston.gov

A .boston.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the City of Boston.

lock

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

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.

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.

Contact

Get started

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

Forever Young

FREE indoor recreation programs for older adults

Winter Fitness

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

Park Ranger Programs

Explore Boston's wildlife and history with our Park Rangers!

Winter Soccer Clinics

Running Sundays from January 11 to February 8, this free clinic supports athletes ages 9–17 in keeping their skills sharp and gearing up for spring soccer.

Hike Boston

Join us for an upcoming walk in one of Boston's parks or urban wilds.

Open Gym

Open gym at the Carter Playground Bubble

Upcoming events

Events
Parks Fitness: Yoga with Carlos
On Jan 17

Jan 17
Parks Fitness: Walking Group with Brandy
On Jan 17

Jan 17
Parks Fitness: Strength and Balance class with Karma
On Jan 19

Jan 19
Parks Fitness: Kids Dance Fitness with Kristin
On Jan 20

Jan 20
Parks Fitness: Tai Chi with Joe
On Jan 21

Jan 21
Parks Fitness: Line Dancing with Boston Rhythm Riders
On Jan 22

Jan 22
More City events

Places to visit

Places to visit
Image for back bay fens
Emerald Necklace

The 1,100-acre chain of nine parks is linked by parkways and waterways.

Visit the Emerald Necklace
Image for king's chapel
Cemeteries / Historic Burying Grounds

We manage three active cemeteries and 16 burying grounds in Boston.

Learn more about cemeteries
Image for rivermoor iii
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

Carter Bubble

Boston Parks Department Hosts Open Gym at Carter Playground Bubble

Parks and Recreation

Kick off the New Year with the City of Boston’s Free Winter Fitness Series starting January 4

Parks and Recreation, Boston Public Health Commission

Boston Parks to Host Winter Ultimate Disc Clinics

Parks and Recreation

Parks Department to Host Winter Soccer Clinics

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.

Learn More
Contact
Provide Your Feedback
Back to top