About the Parks Department
Park Commission
The Mayor appoints a five-member Board of Park Commissioners. This board provides guidance on personnel decisions, budget planning, fee structures, and investigates serious workplace incidents, including accidents.
Department of Public Parks
The Department of Public Parks manages recreational programs, landscape maintenance, and horticultural services for over 2,400 acres of park land. It also provides forestry services for trees located in parks and along public tree belts. The department is organized into three divisions: Administration and Recreation, Maintenance, and Forestry. A Superintendent oversees the department, along with the City Forester and two Deputy Superintendents—one responsible for Recreation and the other for Maintenance. All administrators serve at the discretion of the Mayor.
Board of Park Commissioners
- Jennifer McQuade, Chair
- Chae Swan
- William Christofori
- Angela Robles
- Clinton Harris
Recreation Division
The Recreation Division coordinates activities at parks, playgrounds, golf courses, and Cyr Arena. Programs include swimming, golf, ice skating, tennis, and children’s activities during school vacations. The department also operates afterschool and summer programs.
For more information, call (413) 750-2652 to request a youth activity guide or visit the website.
Maintenance Division
The Maintenance Division is responsible for lawn care, cleaning, equipment and facility repairs, and sign construction. Seasonal responsibilities include installing and removing the holiday lighting display at Forest Park.
Forestry Division
The Forestry Division plants and maintains trees within parks and along public tree belts. It also manages a tree nursery in Forest Park and maintains landscaping at City Hall, Court Square, and city terraces.
To request a new street tree or report a fallen or hazardous tree, call (413) 787-6440 or visit the website for more information.