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Sample Recreation Overview

Boston Parks and Recreation Dept 1010 Massachusetts Ave, 3rd Floor Boston MA 02118 617-635-4505

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department provides and maintains over 2,200 acres of park land throughout the city including parks, playgrounds, athletic facilities, city squares, urban wilds, street trees and golf courses. Facilities include landmarks such as Boston Common, the Public Garden, and the other parks comprising Frederick Law Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace as well as neighborhood and community parks ranging from tot lots to 527-acre Franklin Park. Boston Common features, among other facilities, Frog Pond, which offers, seasonally, a spray pool for children and a skating rink. The Public Garden offers Swan Boats. Courageous Sailing, located on Boston Harbor, offers sailing programs for all ages. George Wright Golf Course (617-364-2300) in the Hyde Park section of Boston, and William J. Devine Golf Course (617-265-4084) at Franklin Park in Dorchester both are available to golf enthusiasts and have facilities for tournaments and catered events. The Recreation Department also organizes a variety of community events and live entertainment in the city parks. The ParkARTS program brings performing, participatory and visual arts classes and events to parks throughout the city. Boston Centers for Youth & Families facilities, including community centers, gyms and swimming pools, are located throughout the city. The centers offer programs for all ages, including aquatics, sports and fitness programs, dance, drama, music, arts/crafts and computer classes, AM/PM Preschool/PK classes and/or full day child care and Adult Basic Education programs. Some centers offer free programs, while others are membership-based, with memberships for children, teens, adults, senior citizens and families (range of $10-$50, according to membership category, each center has its own membership fee structure).