Sports and Exercise

The fields and courts of Franklin Park are great places for games with your friends or family, whether you like to play ultimate frisbee, soccer, baseball, tennis, or basketball. You can also join an organized league or association for serious (and not so serious) competition. 

Drop-in Youth Sports Nights have started again! Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights from 5-8 pm all summer long - join a pick up game of basketball, flag football, soccer, or baseball - or do double jump, tennis, frisbee and chalk drawings. All are welcome - free hot dogs and hamburgers. At the courts by White Stadium.

Deyver%20balls.jpgBasketball
There are informal hoops next to the White Stadium tennis courts. A single hoop can be found near the rear entrance to the Zoo.

Cricket
Sundays on the Playstead (big field near the rear of the Zoo) you can see cricket on a carefully groomed pitch.  617-594-9631

Tennis
There are four tennis courts in the park:  Two next to White Stadium adjacent to the big field called the Playstead and two by the Resting Place / Shattuck Picnic Grove area. Contact the Franklin Park Tennis Association to learn about free lessons for adults and children, exciting tournaments, and a family friendly tennis scene! 617-372-0655

Golf
Go to the Clubhouse or call 617-265-4084 for more information on golf fees. The Junior Golf program offers free lessons and clinics throughout the summer.

loop%20path.jpgWalking & Jogging
The wide, paved path around the golf course, called The Loop, measures 2.5 miles and is filled with walkers and joggers every day of the year.  Click here for different walking and bicycle routes to and in the park. When there's interest, FPC runs organized walking groups, email us to participate. Or contact:

Cross Country Track
Franklin Park has the best cross country course in the region.  High school and college competitions are held at Franklin Park -- you can check out the fall schedule and learn more at USA Track & Field New England.

Another great resource is the Greater Roxbury Track Club, which promotes health and fitness for young people and adults with track and related events: GRTC Classic in June, summer training programs, and September Unity Run.  617-821-7471

Bicycling 
Hub on Wheels, Boston's bicycle promotion organization, leads rides in warm weather through different parts of the city, including Roxbury, Dorchester, the Emerald Necklace, and more; rides often go through Franklin Park and occasionally start and end there.  In September, the rides culminate in a citywide bicycle ride and festival -- beginning on City Hall Plaza and wending through the park and nearby neighborhoods for  25 and 45-mile loops. Casual bicyclists - find out how to enter and ride in the park.

baseball%20diamond.jpgLittle League Baseball and Softball
Children can play ball through several local leagues:

  • Jamaica Plain's Regan Youth League: Children of all ability levels are welcome.   617-983-1563.
  • Roberto Clemente Youth League: 617-983-2763.
  • Grove Hall Little League: Contact Project Right.  617-541-5454

    Summer Camp for Kids
    The White Stadium Free Sports Camp for Children is for youth ages 7-14. For more information, call the Boston Centers for Youth & Families at (617) 635-4920 x2218. (This number may change from year-to-year, call the Mayor's Hotline at (617) 635-4500 for updated contact information.)  

    White Stadium Games
    Boston Public Schools hold their track meets and fall football games at White Stadium. Friday night football games are open to all. It's a great family activity, especially for budding young football players. Tickets are usually $5.

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