The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) encourages residents to lend a hand at state parks and beaches across the Commonwealth this Saturday, April 25, 2015 for the agency’s Annual Park Serve Day. Park Serve Day is a statewide day of volunteer service where volunteers partner with staff from DCR to get Massachusetts parks and beaches ready for summer by cleaning coastlines, clearing trails, planting flowers, painting picnic tables, mowing, weeding and picking up litter.
“This effort is a true collaboration, in partnership with residents, friends groups and local officials, which will benefit the tens of thousands of visitors heading to DCR parks this season,” said DCR Commissioner Jack Murray. “We all have a role to play in preserving and enhancing our forests and parks. Park Serve Day provides an opportunity for residents to experience our great resources first-hand and spread the word about what the Commonwealth has to offer.”
Park Serve Day improves recreational spaces throughout Massachusetts by fostering a sense of environmental stewardship and community involvement to help maintain public spaces for the greater good. Events will take place between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., though hours vary by location and participants are encouraged to reach out to their local state parks to confirm event times.
DCR will provide work gloves and equipment needed for the various projects, though participants may want to bring their own gloves or hand tools, clearly marked with the owner’s name and phone number. Power tools are not allowed. Wear sturdy shoes and work clothes, and bring sunscreen and insect repellent. All events are rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather. Parking fees will be waived at all DCR facilities where Park Serve projects are taking place. To find a Park Serve Day event near you, check the list below or search the Park Serve Day website. To register for an event, use the online volunteer application.
Park Serve Day 2015 – Participating Parks
Boston Region
- Alewife Brook Parkway, Arlington
- Charles River Walkway, River St., Waltham
- Evans Field at Murphy Memorial Rink, South Boston
- Mystic River Reservation, Macdonald Park
- Neponset River Reservation, Quincy Riverwalk, Quincy
- Savin Hill Beach, Dorchester
South Region
- Borderland State Park, Easton
- Blue Hills Reservation – Invasive Species Removal, Houghton’s Pond, Milton
- Blue Hills Reservation – Mounted Unit Stables, Milton
- Blue Hills Reservation – Trails, Milton
- Boston Harbor Island Gateway Park, Hingham Shipyard
- Cape Cod Rail Trail & Nickerson State Park, Brewster
- Franklin State Forest
- Myles Standish State Forest, South Carver
- Scusset Beach State Reservation, Sandwich/Bourne
- Shawme-Crowell State Forest, Sandwich
- Webb Memorial State Park, Weymouth
North Region
- Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, Winthrop
- Callahan State Park, Framingham
- Harold Parker State Forest, N. Andover
- Lowell Heritage State Park Mack Plaza, Lowell
- Marsh View State Park, Lynn
- Maudslay State Park, Newburyport
- Middlesex Fells Reservation – Flynn Rink, Medford
- Middlesex Fells Reservation – NEMBA Trails, Medford
- Middlesex Fells Reservation – Sheepfold
- Nahant Beach Reservation
- Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Salisbury (MAY 3 & 4)
- Whitehall State Park, Hopkinton
Central Region
- Blackstone River & Canal Heritage State Park, Uxbridge (SUNDAY, APRIL 26)
- Douglas State Forest – Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT), Douglas
- Leominster State Forest
- Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton
- Otter River State Forest, Winchendon
- Quinsigamond – Regatta Point & Lake Park, Worcester
- Upton State Forest
West Region
- Chicopee State Park
- D.A.R. State Forest, Goshen
- Mt. Greylock State Reservation, Lanesborough
- Norwottuck Rail Trail, Hadley
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, oversees 450,000 acres of parks and forests, beaches, bike trails, watersheds, dams, and parkways. Led by Commissioner Jack Murray, the agency’s mission is to protect, promote, and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr. Contact us at mass.parks@state.ma.us. Follow us on Twitter @massDCR.