24 April, 2017
BOSTON- The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) 11th annual Park Serve Day event will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2017. Park Serve Day is a statewide initiative that was created as a day of volunteerism encouraging the public to partner with state government in an effort to prepare the Commonwealth’s many state parks and beaches for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. Some of the responsibilities that volunteers assist the DCR with at local events include cleaning coastlines, clearing trails, and picking up litter.
“For years, Park Serve Day has signified the unofficial start to the state’s outdoor season, encouraging people from every region of the Commonwealth to get outside and lend a helping hand,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I want to thank everyone who is able to volunteer and help prepare our state parks system to be enjoyed by people of all ages again this year.”
“Through the dedicated work provided by thousands of volunteers, Park Serve Day helps improve our state’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “From Holyoke Heritage State Park to Myles Standish State Forest, local cleanup events will be coordinated and scheduled in communities across the Commonwealth, and serve as an excellent way to get outside and help clean state parks for all to enjoy”
The majority of local events will take place between the hours of 8:00AM and 3:00PM, though hours may vary by location, and participants are encouraged to reach out to their local state parks to confirm event times. Work gloves and equipment necessary to complete various projects will be provided by the DCR; however, if participants choose, they can bring their own gloves or hand tools, but the DCR asks those materials to be clearly marked with the owner’s name and phone number on them. Power tools will not be allowed.
“Contained within the Commonwealth is a vast array of outdoor recreational opportunities for us all to enjoy,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “By working together, we are not only ensuring that those resources are protected throughout Massachusetts, but that they will continue to be available for years to come.”
At DCR facilities where Park Serve Day projects are taking place, drinking water will be supplied, though participants may bring their own water and food, as well. All volunteers are asked to wear sturdy shoes and work clothes, and to bring sunscreen and insect repellent. All events are rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather. Additionally, all parking fees will be waived at locations where Park Serve Day events are taking place.
“Massachusetts manages the ninth largest state parks system in the nation with over 450,000 acres of parks, beaches, forests, and reservations, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation couldn’t effectively do its job without the dedication of the public, who passionately assist the agency every single day,” said DCR Commissioner Leo Roy. “The Baker-Polito Administration remains committed to providing a first class parks system that is accessible and enjoyed by people of all abilities.”
To find a Park Serve Day event near you, please review the list below or search the Park Serve Day webpage located on the DCR’s Programs and Events page, where volunteers can register for an event.
Park Serve Day 2017 – Participating Parks:
Central Region
Upton State Park, Upton, HQ Building, 205 Westboro Rd., 8:30AM Registration - 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Otter River State Forest, HQ Building, 86 Winchendon Rd., Baldwinville, 10:00AM to 12:00PM
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, River Bend Farm Visitor Center, 287 Oak St., Uxbridge, 1:00PM to 3:00PM
West Region
Holyoke Heritage State Park, Visitor Center, 221 Appleton St, Holyoke, 10:00AM-3:00PM
DAR State Forest, Goshen, Campground Pavilion at Nature Center by Site #14, 10:00AM-3:00PM
Great Falls Discovery Center, Avenue 2A, Montague, 10:00AM-12:00PM
South Region
Boston Harbor Islands-Grape Island, Grape Island Pier, 9:00AM-3:30PM (event full)
Boston Harbor Islands-Spectacle Island, Long Wharf North, Boston 9:00AM-2:00PM
Shawme Crowell State Forest, Pavillion Area 2 Campground, Sandwich, 10:00AM to 12:00PM
Scusett Beach State Reservation, Nature Center, Sandwich, 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Nickerson State Park, Cape Cod Rail Trail, 3488 Main Street/Rt. 6A, Brewster 8:00AM to 3:00PM
Massasoit State Park, Taunton, 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Myles Standish State Forest, Myles Standish Amphitheater, Carver, 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Blue Hills Reservation (Stables), 705 Hillside Street, Milton, 9:00AM-2:00PM
North Region
Maudslay State Park, HQ Office, 74 Curzon Mill Rd., Newburyport, 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Callahan State Park, Millwood Street Parking Lot, Framingham 9:00AM to12:00PM
Middlesex Fells, Flynn Rink, 3920 Mystic Valley Parkway, Medford, 9:00AM to 1:00PM
McDonald Park, Parking Lot, Mystic Valley Parkway, Rt. 16, Medford, 8:00AM-2:00PM
Boston Region
Charles River Reservation, Main meeting space at Boston Esplanade Oval– all locations start and end from 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Neponset River Reservation, Quincy and Dorchester (details below)
Neponset Greenway 1 – Neponset Park (intersection of Hilltop Street and Granite Ave., Dorchester, 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Neponset Greenway 2 – 2 Hancock Street, Quincy (Riverwalk) 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Neponset Greenway 3 -- 2 Hancock Street, Quincy (Riverwalk) 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Neponset Greenway 4 - Pope John Paul Park Main Parking Lot Entrance – 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Southwest Corridor, HQ Office, 38 New Heat Street, Jamaica Plain, 7:00AM to 3:00PM (subject to change)
Evans Field, Murphy Rink, 1880 William J Day Blvd., South Boston, 9:00AM to 1:00PM
