23 April, 2014
The Patrick Administration is encouraging residents to volunteer at state parks and beaches across the Commonwealth on Saturday, April 26, 2014 for the 8th Annual Park Serve Day. Park Serve Day is a statewide day of service where volunteers partner with staff from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (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.
“The Patrick Administration’s dedication to shared community resources and experiences is exemplified by Park Serve Day,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rick Sullivan. “This event is a great undertaking by both state government and the public to pitch in and create a rich environment for everyone to enjoy.”
“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. This 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 underscores the Patrick Administration’s commitment to improving recreational spaces throughout Massachusetts by fostering a sense of a shared purpose by communities to maintain public spaces for the greater good. Events will take place between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., though times vary by location. Participants are encouraged to contact their local state parks to confirm event times.
DCR will provide work gloves and equipment needed for the various projects, though participants may 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. Drinking water and a snack will be supplied.
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 2014 – Participating Parks
Boston Region
Alewife Brook Parkway, Arlington
Blessings of the Bay Boathouse (Mystic River), Somerville
Carson Beach, South Boston
Charles River Walkway, River St., Waltham
Evans Field at Murphy Memorial Rink, South Boston
Foss Park, Somerville
Mystic River Reservation, Medford
Savin Hill/Malibu Beach, Dorchester
Central Region
Blackstone River & Canal Heritage State Park, Uxbridge (SUNDAY, APRIL 27th)
Douglas State Forest – Southern New England Trunkline Trail, Douglas
Mass Central Rail Trail, Holden
Otter River State Forest, Winchendon
Quinsigamond – Regatta Point & Lake Park, Worcester
Upton State Forest, Upton
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, Princeton
North Region
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, Winthrop
Bradley Palmer State Park, Topsfield
Callahan State Park, Framingham
Lowell Heritage State Park Mack Plaza, Lowell
Maudslay State Park, Newburyport
Middlesex Fells Reservation – Flynn Rink
Middlesex Fells Reservation – Sheepfold
Whitehall State Park, Hopkinton
South Region
Ames Nowell State Park, Abington
Blue Hills Reservation – Brookwood Community Farm, Canton
Blue Hills Reservation – Houghton’s Pond, Milton
Blue Hills Reservation – Invasive Species Removal, Milton
Blue Hills Reservation – Mounted Unit Stables, Milton
Blue Hills Reservation – Trails, Milton
Cape Cod Rail Trail, Brewster
Fall River Heritage State Park, Fall River
Gateway Park, Hingham Shipyard
Massasoit State Park, Taunton
Myles Standish State Forest, South Carver
Schooner Ernestina, New Bedford
Scusset Beach State Reservation, Sandwich/Bourne
Shawme-Crowell State Forest, Sandwich
Webb Memorial State Park, Weymouth
Wompatuck State Park, Hingham
West Region
Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Cheshire
Beartown State Forest, Monterey
D.A.R. State Forest, Goshen
According to a report by The Trust for Public Land, outdoor recreation generates $10 billion in consumer spending, $739 million in state and local tax revenue and $3.5 billion in wages and salaries each year in Massachusetts. 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.
