Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 11h

#EastBoston neighbors, join us for a virtual Mary Ellen Welch Greenway project update! 🌿

📆 Thursday, October 9 at 6:00 p.m.
🔗www.boston.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/project/improvements-mary-ellen-welch-greenway

1 3

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 13h

🏀 Boston, let's get moving! Our updated sports facilities map shows courts, fields, and more all across the city—thanks to our partners at @bostonschools.boston.gov, @bcyf.boston.gov & @massdcr.bsky.social.

🏐🎾 Check it out now: www.boston.gov/departments/human-services/boston-sports-facilities-map

1 8

Reposted by Boston Parks Department

Boston Environment Department @environment.boston.gov · 13h

YOU'RE INVITED! Join us for a ribbon cutting and community celebration on 10/24 for the reopening of the Mattahunt Woods Urban Wild. This event is free, family-friendly, and open to all.

Visit boston.gov/mattahunt for more details.
@parks.boston.gov
@boston.gov

2 6

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 14h

👻Join us on Fri, Oct 17 at our spooktacular Fall-O-Ween Children’s Festival for FREE fall & Halloween-themed activities, treats & more!

🎃Friday, October 17
🌙 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
🍂Boston Common Parade Ground, Beacon and Charles Street

🪦boston.gov/falloween

1 7

Reposted by Boston Parks Department

Office of Mayor Michelle Wu 吳弭 @mayorwu.boston.gov · 5d

So excited to cut the ribbon on the renovated Walsh Playground in Dorchester!

Mayor Wu cuts a green ribbon held up by community members.

A blue, green, and gray playground stands over a blue landscape. Fall leaves cover the ground.

Mayor Wu smiles and poses with two residents and wears a Dorchester hat.

Mayor Wu shakes hands with a community member.

3 3 45

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 1d

#DidYouKnow our Fall Fitness Series with @publichealth.boston.gov is back? 🍂💪

Register today for free in-person fitness classes at a park near you: boston.gov/fitness

Fall fitness graphic - boston.gov/fitness

6 28

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 1d

🖼️The People’s Choice voting is now open for the Icons of Franklin Park Poster Competition!

Check out the Top 10 finalist poster series and vote for your favorite. Voting closes Monday, Oct 20 at 11:59 p.m.

🗳️ bslanow.org/postercompet...

FRANKLIN PARK POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION People’s Choice awards
Make your voice heard and vote for your favorite designs in the Franklin Park Poster Design Competition.

Vote now before October 20: bslanow.org/postercompetition

3 7

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 6d

What a magical night on the Boston Common! Thanks to everyone who joined our Wicked movie night last week 💚 ✨

That’s a wrap on our summer movie nights! Tell us below, what movies would you like to see in the parks in 2026?🌙🎬

1 2 15

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 7d

🌸🐝Buzz-worthy gardens!🌿🦋 Meet our Pollinator Garden winners!

🥇 M. Scott Knox – Roxbury (accepted by neighbor Dayo Fadelu)
🥈 Kimba McDonald – Hyde Park
🥉 Megan Morrill – Hyde Park

📸 See more at boston.gov/garden-contest

7

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 7d

Join us this Friday in #Dorchester as we celebrate the reopening of Walsh Playground 🌳🛝🥎

📅 Friday, October 3 at 10:00 AM
📍 Walsh Playground, 1005 Washington Street
🔗 boston.gov/walsh-playground

2 9

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 9d

🌱Community roots run deep in these gardens!

🥇 Jenny Li & Mark Springel – Berkeley Community Garden
🥈 Dimple Patel – Berkeley Community Garden
🥉 Gerry Izzi & Dan Doherty – Fenway Victory Gardens

📸 See more at boston.gov/garden-contest

#CommunityGardens #UrbanGardening

First Place Garden Jenny Li with Mayor Wu and Chief Swett

Gerry izzi and Dan Doherty - Fenway Victory Gardens

4

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 13d

🌿 These gardens are unbe-leaf-able! 🌸🌼

🥇 Friends of Christopher Columbus Park – North End
🥈 Gardening Enthusiasts at Primus – Beacon Hill
🥉 The Boston Home – Dorchester

Teamwork + creativity = thriving spaces.

See more 👉 boston.gov/garden-contest

Friends of Christopher Columbus Park - First place

Photo of Friends of Christopher Columbus Park rose garden

Second place - The Gardening Enthusiasts at Primus - BH

Third place - The Boston Home - DOrchester

7

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 14d

Crisp air, Crunching leaves, and golden trails await! Join a guided nature walk led by a Boston Park Ranger, and explore Scarborough Pond and its inhabitants.

Discover local wildlife, autumn plant life, and the history that shaped our parks!

🍂 www.boston.gov/calendar/walking-tour-franklin-park-0

2 10

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 14d

🌳🌿We’ve always been green, but this week we’re Wicked green.

💚 Wicked Movie Night
📅 Fri, Sept 26 | Party 5:30 p.m. | Movie 7 p.m.
📍 Boston Common Parade Ground

Come sing along! boston.gov/movie-nights

Screencaps from the Wicked Movie reads:
Image 1: Glinda - You're green?
Image 2: Elphaba's green hands with words like green infrastructure, emerald necklace, coastal resilience, open space conservation, porous pavements, etc.
Image 3: Elphaba - I am.

1 3

Reposted by Boston Parks Department

Boston Environment Department @environment.boston.gov · 14d

We want to hear from you! Feedback for Boston's 2030 Climate Action Plan is being accepted through 9/30.

boston.gov/departments/environment/boston-climate-action @boston.gov @mayorwu.boston.gov @parks.boston.gov @green-infrastructure.boston.gov @foodjustice.boston.gov

4 6

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 15d

🌿 Age strong, garden stronger! From Zen retreats to wildlife havens, these gardens show that passion grows with time.

🥇 Nancy Kressin & John Derbort – West Roxbury
🥈 Alan White & Dale Belcher – Roslindale
🥉 Cheryl Crawford – Roslindale

📸 See more: boston.gov/garden-contest

First Place - Nancy Kressin an John Derbort of West Roxbury.

First Place - Nancy Kressin an dJohn Derbort of West Roxbury with Mayor Michelle Wu, Mira, and Chief Swett.

Second Place - Alan White and Dale Belcher of Roslindale

Third Place - Cheryl Crawford of Roslindale

1 8

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 15d

🌱 Join us for a community work day at Franklin Park! Help our Urban Wilds team as we remove invasives, build habitat walls & clean up trash.

📅 Sat, Sept 27 at 10:00 a.m.
📍 Long Crouch Woods, Franklin Park

Register: www.boston.gov/calendar/franklin-park-urban-wilds-community-work-day

Urban wilds team removes knotweed at Franklin Park

5 4

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 15d

🌼 This fall, we’re teaming up with @mayorwu.boston.gov to give away 15,000+ daffodil bulbs for community planting!

🌱 Individuals, groups & organizations can apply by Sept. 28 for October/November planting: boston.gov/boston-blooms

#BostonBlooms #BostonParks

Every year, we provide around 15,000 bulbs for volunteers to plant, transforming public spaces and enhancing Boston’s beauty.

5 24

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 16d

Are you coming? ✨ Our Wicked movie night flies to the Boston Common THIS Friday!

📅 Friday, Sept 26 | Party 5:30 p.m. | Movie 7:00 p.m.
📍 Boston Common
🧹 Costume contest, giveaways, trivia, popcorn & more!

🍿Don’t miss this thrillifying night: boston.gov/movie-nights

2 2

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 16d

Calling all #Zumba instructors! 👯Boston Parks is seeking an energetic instructor to lead a Zumba Gold class at Titus Sparrow Park (South End) Fridays at 11 a.m. this fall.

Interested? Email [email protected]
More details: boston.gov/fitness

#BostonFitness #BostonParks

2

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 16d

🌳🐴Join The Boston Park Rangers for FREE nature and history programs happening all season long across the Emerald Necklace!

Discover wildlife, uncover local history, and connect with one of our Mounted Park Rangers.

🍂 boston.gov/park-rangers

Explore the outdoors with the Boston Park Rangers this fall! For future times, dates, and locations call 617-635-7383 or visit boston.gov/park-rangers

2 6

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 19d

They really ate with this one… 🍅🌿🍆🥕 Meet our Vegetable & Herb Garden Contest winners!

🥇 Suzen Holohan - East Boston
🥈 Jun Odajima - West Roxbury
🥉 Taylor Halliday - Roslindale

🌿 boston.gov/garden-contest

First Place herb/veggie category garden - Suzen Holohan - East Boston

Suzen Holohan of East Boston holds Golden Trowel and poses with Mayor Wu and Chief Swett.

Third Place
Taylor Halliday - Roslindale

1 7

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 20d

Get ready to race! 🍂🏃

One of Boston's favorite fall traditions, Mayor's Cup Cross Country, is back on Sunday, October 26 at Franklin Park and it's going to be bigger, better, and faster than ever!

Registration is now available for youth and adult races: boston.gov/parks-sports

Children running to the finish at the Mayor's Cup Cross Country championship at Franklin Park

2

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 20d

⚽🏆 The Mayor's Cup Soccer Tournament & Festival kicks off November 7 at Moakley Park!

✅ Register your team today: boston.gov/parks-sports

Soccer players compete on large turf field

2 2

Boston Parks Department @parks.boston.gov · 20d

No tea, just shade! 🌿 We’re celebrating our 2025 Shade Garden Contest winners!

🥇 Ellen Scalese - Hyde Park
🥈 Sharon Gentges - East Boston
🥉 Christa Comeau - Beacon Hill

🌱 boston.gov/garden-contest

First Place Shade Garden Winner- Ellen Scalese's garden in Hyde Park

First Place Shade Garden Winner Ellen Scalese with Mayor Wu and Chief Brian Swett.

Second Place Shade Garden Winner- Sharon Gentges' garden in East Boston

Third Place Shade Garden Winner- Christa Comeau's garden in Beacon Hill.

1 3 14