The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for managing more than 2,200 acres of park land in the city including parks, playgrounds, city squares, monuments, athletic fields, cemeteries and golf courses. In addition to maintenance and enhancement projects, it is responsible for overseeing the use of each space. Individuals or groups wishing to reserve parks or athletic fields must apply for a permit either by mail, phone or by visiting the Department's Massachusetts Avenue office. For details on obtaining a permit or a schedule of public events hosted by Parks and Recreation, visit the department's website.

Free parking is hard to find on Mass Avenue.  The Nos. 10 and 8 buses stop directly in front of the building, while the closest T stop is Andrew Station on the Red Line, a .8-mile walk.