In the “old days” young professionals would relocate to the suburbs when they decided to start a family, but over the past few decades a major shift took place and major cities, including Boston, focused on becoming more family-friendly in order to keep residents from moving. While 2020 saw an increase in moves out of the city and into the suburbs, Boston continues to be one of the most family-friendly (major) cities in the country.
One of the greatest advantages to the constant state of development in Boston is the creation, investment and revitalization of parks and playgrounds in every neighborhood. In recent years, innovative and inclusive playground designs have replaced older models, wooing even people without children. Many playgrounds around the city occupy prime real estate, offering their visitors a peaceful retreat with sweeping views of waterfront areas or the skyline. So, whether you live in Boston Proper, you’re heading in from the suburbs, or you’re relocating to the area, these are the places to go if you have kids in tow. It was difficult to choose, but we narrowed it down to our Five Favorite Playgrounds in Boston:
- Martin’s Park, Downtown
Bostonians hold this park close to our hearts as it pays tribute to Martin Richard, the youngest fallen angel of the April 15, 2013 Marathon Bombing. The beautiful park occupies a previously vacant space next to the Boston Children’s Museum at the crossroads of Downtown and the Seaport. It unfolds over varying levels, intertwined with intentional landscaping and built to mimic nature. A marooned pirate ship sits atop one of the higher peaks of the playground, allowing young explorers to climb aboard and imagine their own adventures.
- Piers Park, East Boston
A large footprint on the edge of East Boston facing the Waterfront/ Seaport area, this park has something for everyone. The enclosed playspace has 2 structures with a sprinkler in the middle and a couple swing sets. Outside of the play area is a large area of green space; one corner is occupied by the Piers Park Sailing Center (which hosts a fantastic summer camp), and a long pier extends out from the other corner. Additionally, there is a natural amphitheatre where you’ll find events and live music on the weekends (including the Zumix Sunday concert series) and a small workout area is hidden on the far side of the park.
- Hunt-Almont Playground, Mattapan
Revitalization of the park began under Mayor Menino and continued with further investment from the Walsh Administration. The park features a tot-lot, bigger kids area full of webbed climbing equipment, a splash pad and an adult fitness space. Urban greenery abounds at Hunt-Almont with baseball, football, lacrosse and even a cricket field. On any given day, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the Franklin Park Tennis Program, one of several pop-warner football teams or the Mattapan Patriots cheer squad.
- Mayor Thomas M. Menino Park, Charlestown
Menino Park was crafted with active play, physical therapy, recovery, relief and respite in mind. This inclusive playground sits on its own small peninsula in the Charlestown Navy yard, just steps from the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and includes a wheel-chair accessible merry-go-round, a ramped play structure, and embankment slides and climbers. Granite blocks that once held back seawater now provide seating and give way to elevated green space to enjoy the view of Boston Harbor.
- Uncle Frank and Auntie Kay Chin Park, Chinatown
Conveniently located next to the Chinatown Paifang Gate, this colorful playground is perfect for a quick run-through on your way to a delicious meal. Unlike the other parks on the list, this Chinatown play area is quite small–consisting of just a couple stacked-cube play-structures and a slide. A bamboo-lined River Stream sits to one side of the play area and often the older generations of Chinatown residents can be found at nearby tables engrossed in games of Mahjong.
With 217 parks, playgrounds and athletic fields in Boston, our Best Playgrounds list (admittedly) doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface, but for families that are visiting the city with relocation in mind, this is a little taste of what Boston has to offer for your family. To find more of these fabulous parks and playgrounds, visit Boston Parks and Recreation.
Planning a move to Boston (or the surrounding area)? Get a Free Estimate from Exela Movers.
No matter how prepared you are, how many times you’ve moved or how great your Moving Company is…
Moving Is Stressful!
There’s no denying that moving is an emotionally-charged process. From nerves to nostalgia you’re certain to run the gamut of feelings, especially if you’re moving to a New City or a New State. So, it is incredibly important to establish a level of personal comfort with your Moving Company.
*That’s where Exela comes in.*
Exela Movers is a small-business run by a hands-on owner. What could be more ideal than working directly with the owner to plan your move?
And, if you’re moving out-of-state, no need to worry about van lines or subcontractors—Exela Movers handles the whole move from start to finish. We call this a Point-to-Point move.
Without a doubt, using a company that handles long distance moves from Point-To-Point should be a top priority. A Point-to-Point Move means you only have one company handling the entire process from start to finish with direct delivery at your new home (no middleman, no freight shipper, no van lines).
We’ll walk you through the process:
Step 1: You Request an Estimate via Exela’s website [CLICK HERE TO REQUEST AN ESTIMATE]
Step 2: Schedule a Virtual Walk-Through to confirm pricing and details
Step 3: Sign the Contract, Pay the Deposit, Schedule your Pick Up and Delivery Dates
Step 4: Exela’s Employees arrive to move you out of your current home, they transport your belongings to your new city and deliver them to you a few days later, on the date you chose
Step 5: You settle into your New Home
When you choose a moving company that works with a middleman, freight shipper or van line, your move will NOT be as simple as Point-to-Point. Instead of direct delivery to your new home, your belongings will first be moved to a warehouse. While awaiting pick-up by a van line or freight shipper, your prized possessions will be stored at the warehouse for an undetermined amount of time (often 2 weeks or more). Where do you go while your belongings are in limbo? [READ MORE ABOUT THE VAN LINES METHOD HERE]
As we all know, 2020 dealt us all a whole new set of complications to deal with (and thus far 2021 isn’t doing us any favors), but your moving company shouldn’t to be one of them. So, if you need to move out-of-state in these Unprecedented Times (anyone else miss “Precedented” Times?), you want to be absolutely certain you’ve picked the right company to handle your move. Now, more than ever, do not underestimate:
*The importance of knowing exactly when your belongings will arrive,
*The relief of having your belongings arrive directly and without delay,
*The value of having your entire Move handled by One Company.
Contact Exela TODAY to start planning your Move: Get an Estimate
Check out these Google Reviews from some of Exela’s Recent Interstate Move Customers:
“My wife and I were moving from a 1bd apartment in MA to a house in NH…Trust that if you hire them, it will be worth it.” Michael M.
“Exela Movers was fantastic for our move from Boston to Baltimore…in addition to the five-star service, Exela was cheaper than the competition. I’d use them again in a heartbeat!” Mark D.
“Such a pleasant, responsive moving company! We did an out of state move…They packed everything carefully and disassembled and reassembled our furniture. Really friendly, helpful staff – and a great value with transparent pricing. I cannot recommend enough.” Shreya K
“Researched movers and read about a lot of interesting stories. When we found Exela and read their reviews there was nothing but praise…Our move was from Revere MA to Fort Myers Florida. We were informed of each step of the trip…Price was exactly as quoted no hidden costs. We are about 75 percent unpacked and everything including the china we packed is in perfect condition. We highly recommend them and will use them again.” Arnie S
…READ MORE OF EXELA’S GOOGLE REVIEWS HERE
START PLANNING YOUR MOVE TODAY: Get an Estimate
