Boston, Massachusetts, offers a rich array of parks and recreational facilities managed by various organizations dedicated to maintaining and enhancing these public spaces.
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department oversees approximately 2,346 acres of parkland, which includes:
A significant portion of this green space is part of the historic Emerald Necklace, a chain of parks linked by parkways and waterways designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
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The DCR manages state parks and oversees more than 450,000 acres throughout Massachusetts, including several significant areas in the Boston region. Their mission is to protect, promote, and enhance the state’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources.
Notable DCR-managed sites in the Boston area include:
Managed collaboratively by the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership, this national recreation area comprises several islands offering historical sites, hiking trails, and beaches. Visitors can explore forts, enjoy panoramic views of the Boston skyline, and participate in various outdoor activities.
Boston provides numerous community centers throughout the city, offering summer camps, enrichment and recreation programs, pools, and adult education programs. These centers serve as hubs for local residents to engage in various activities promoting wellness and community engagement.
Collectively, these organizations ensure that Boston’s parks and recreational facilities are well-maintained and offer diverse programs and amenities for residents and visitors alike.
Boston Parks and Recreation Department
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department oversees numerous city parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, golf courses, squares, fountains, game courts, historic cemeteries, urban wilds, and street trees.
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Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
The DCR manages state parks and oversees more than 450,000 acres throughout Massachusetts, including several significant areas in the Boston region.
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These organizations collectively ensure that Boston’s parks and recreational facilities are well-maintained and offer diverse programs and amenities for residents and visitors alike.