The Best Passive recreational areas in Boston, Massachusetts

Smith Playground, located at 235 Western Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts, is a community institution that has recently undergone a major renovation. The park now features a variety of exciting improvements, including a new water spray feature, amphitheater, passive community space, and enhancements to Western Avenue. The renovation project was initiated by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, following years of advocacy by the Harvard Allston Task Force. The 2016 Master Plan outlined a vision for the park, with Phase 1 improvements funded by the Harvard Allston Public Realm Flexible Fund and the City of Boston Capital Improvement Fund. These Phase 1 improvements, which opened in fall 2019, include a play area, multipurpose field, basketball courts, street hockey court, and more.

Cassidy Playground, also known as Walter F. Cassidy Playground, is a historic park located at 379 Chestnut Hill Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts. Established in 1898, this park has undergone a comprehensive renovation to include ballfields, courts, passive areas, pathways, utilities, and landscaping. The Boston Parks and Recreation Department completed a master plan for Cassidy Playground in 2016, which includes the renovation of the field house to provide public restrooms. This project will be designed and constructed by Boston Public Facilities.

Welcome to Sherrin Woods, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 1 Marston Street in the Hyde Park neighborhood, Sherrin Woods is a captivating park and tourist attraction dedicated to preserving the city's natural beauty. As part of the Urban Wilds Initiative, this picturesque site offers Boston residents and visitors a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy nature's treasures both now and for generations to come. Spanning a diverse landscape, Sherrin Woods is seamlessly integrated into the expansive Stony Brook Reservation. One of its notable features is a City-owned parcel adjacent to the George Wright Golf Course and High Point Village, boasting a lush cattail marsh and upland forest. This wetland area is believed to be a habitat for the rare spotted turtle, adding to the ecological significance of the site.

Welcome to Mount Hope Cemetery, a historic and serene final resting place located at 355 Walk Hill Street in Boston, Massachusetts. Established in 1852 as a private cemetery and acquired by the City of Boston in 1857, Mount Hope Cemetery proudly stands as the city's first large municipal cemetery. Spanning 125 acres, this beautifully landscaped site embraces the principles of the Rural Cemetery Movement, offering a tranquil haven adorned with diverse tree species and captivating seasonal floral displays. Originally developed as a peaceful retreat for both remembrance and passive outdoor recreation, Mount Hope Cemetery predates Boston's park system and continues to serve as a cherished green space for the local community. Despite early challenges, including accessibility issues and financial constraints, the cemetery has grown and thrived over the years, expanding its grounds and welcoming an increasing number of burials.

Welcome to Park Section, a vibrant and diverse green space located in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, at the Back Bay Fens. This park offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, making it a cherished destination for both locals and visitors alike. Explore the many attractions within Park Section, including jogging the track at Clemente Field, visiting the enchanting Kelleher Rose Garden, shooting hoops on the basketball courts, and picking up a park map at the historic Shattuck Visitor Center. Discover a piece of history with the 17th century Japanese Temple Bell, and stroll through the serene paths of the Victory Gardens, a living reminder of Boston's community spirit during World War II.

Welcome to D.F. Pray General Contractors, your premier choice for comprehensive construction solutions in Boston, Massachusetts, and beyond. Conveniently located at 117 Water Street, Boston, MA 02109, we are proud to serve as a single-source contractor offering an extensive range of services including design-build, preconstruction, construction management, and general contracting. Since our establishment in 1959 by C. Edward Pray, we've been dedicated to building excellence through our professional, hands-on approach. Our rich history and commitment to quality have allowed us to successfully complete a diverse array of projects across North America, from new constructions and ground-ups to intricate renovations of retail spaces, educational institutions, and public facilities.

Welcome to Rivermoor Urban Wild, a serene and vital green space located at 150 Rivermoor Street, Boston, Massachusetts. As part of the city's Urban Wilds Initiative, Rivermoor Urban Wild plays a crucial role in protecting Boston's natural treasures and ensuring their accessibility for both present and future generations. This unique park is a narrow floodplain marsh nestled along the Charles River, creating a natural buffer between the river and nearby industrial areas. Rivermoor Urban Wild is part of a larger network of urban wilds and conservation lands that contribute to Boston's rich tapestry of natural spaces. Together with parcels owned by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), this area forms a vital riparian buffer, showcasing the beauty and ecological importance of floodplain habitats. The steep embankment along Rivermoor Street defines the northern boundary of this urban oasis.

Welcome to West Street Urban Wild, a hidden gem nestled at 2 West Street in the heart of Boston's Hyde Park neighborhood. As a vital component of the Urban Wilds Initiative, West Street Urban Wild is dedicated to preserving Boston's natural treasures for both current and future generations. This serene oasis offers a rare piece of greenspace along the Neponset River, providing a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life. The West Street Urban Wild is part of the larger Stony Brook Reservation ecosystem, featuring a diverse landscape that includes a healthy cattail marsh, upland forests, and a variety of wetland species. This unique habitat supports a range of wildlife, including the rare spotted turtle, making it a valuable ecological site.