Planning and Research at Boston Parks
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department plans for open space citywide. We maintain data, create online tools and maps, and conduct citywide planning. Our work shows areas that need open space, how our open space is performing, and tracks our urban canopy. Take a look below to see active planning initiatives, publications, maps, and more.
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Still have questions? Contact:
Parks and Recreation
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1010 Massachusetts Avenue
3rd FloorBoston, MA 02118
Parks and Recreation Data
Did you know that you can find parks-related datasets on Analyze Boston and ArcGIS Online? We strive for robust open data - datasets, maps, and dashboards - covering a wide array of topics. If you don't see data available on one of these 2 locations, feel free to contact us and we can share it!
Some of our data includes:
- Canopy coverage and change over time
- Park property locations and jurisdictions
- Park features and asset locations
- Street tree and park tree inventory
- Urban Forest Plan priority zones and factor layers
- Capital improvement locations and descriptions
Web Maps and Apps
Park Directory
Find a park and who maintains it
Spray Play Map
Locations of splash pads and on/off status
Tree Inventory Map
View our inventory of street and park (in-progress) trees in the TreeKeeper8 software
Design and Construction Projects
Locations of capital improvement projects led by the Design and Construction Unit
Accessible and Sensory-Friendly Features at Boston Parks
Made in partnership with the Disabilities Commission
Citywide Sports Facilities Map
With partners at the Mayor's Office, Boston Center for Youth & Families, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation, and Boston Public Schools, we maintain a map of all recreation facilities in Boston
Citywide Planning Projects
Study of Shadow Impacts on Boston's Parks
Understanding the impacts of light and shadow on the Emerald Necklace parks and park users.
Planning for Future Parks
We're enhancing and enlarging Boston's network of resilient community parks. Where would you like to see parks?
Urban Forest Plan
Creating a blueprint for Boston's urban forest for the next 20 years and beyond.
Open Space and Recreation Plan
The OSRP provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of Boston's park system as well as a set of goals and a Seven-Year Action Plan that will guide the City's parks-related work heading towards 2030.
Forestry + Urban Heat
A multi-departmental effort to ensure alignment with Climate Action Plan goals and BPRD operations
Open Space Acquisition Program
Expanding the park system takes everyone. Check out the Open Space Acquisition Program to see what Parks and Recreation is doing for its part and submit a site for consideration.
Related projects
Related projectsAn analysis of park visitorship patterns using mobile phone location data, done in partnership with the Planning Department's...
A Planning Department-led effort to understand how to deliver high quality and publicly accessibly open space through private...
Building on the Urban Forest Plan, the Parks Department is committed to regularly analyzing changes to tree canopy cover...
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Still have questions? Contact:
Parks and Recreation
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1010 Massachusetts Avenue
3rd FloorBoston, MA 02118
