Staff Report
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce the return of free Arts & Crafts Workshops and the introduction of STEM & Youth Preparedness Workshops for children through the ParkARTS program. Kids ages three to ten can enjoy a wide variety of activities led by local artists and instructors, including upcoming dates right here in East Boston.
Local East Boston Events:
• Arts and Crafts Workshops: Tuesdays, July 28, August 4, and 11 at LoPresti Park, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
In addition to arts programming, ParkARTS is debuting free STEM and Youth Preparedness Workshops on Mondays throughout July and August at various parks across the city. Led by a Boston Public Schools teacher and staff from the City of Boston Office of Emergency Management, these hands-on workshops combine interactive STEM activities with lessons on emergency preparedness.
“Summer in Boston’s parks is all about giving children and families opportunities to connect, learn, explore, and create,” said Diana Fernandez Bibeau, Commissioner of Parks and Recreation and Deputy Chief of Open Space. “Early exposure to STEM is critical for shaping the next generation of innovators, and we are proud to use our parks to inspire young minds and open doors to future career possibilities.”
Kendall Basham, Emergency Manager and Regional Coordinator for Boston Office of Emergency Management, added, “By using fun, accessible tools like the ‘Prepare with Pedro’ series, we can teach our young students how to stay calm, find a flashlight, and know what goes into an emergency kit.”
Participation is free and all materials are provided. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of eight or more must pre-register by emailing parks@boston.gov or by calling the Parks Department at (617) 961-3082. The Marionette Puppet Show series will also return in July and August during various children’s workshops, featuring Rosalita’s Puppets.
Other City-Wide Events:
• Arts and Crafts Workshops (10 a.m. to 12 noon): Wednesdays at Marcella Playground and Hynes Field (July 8, 15, 22), and Training Field and Mission Hill Playground (July 29, Aug. 5, 12). Thursdays at Fallon Field and Walker Playground (July 9, 16, 23), and Medal of Honor Park and Myrtle Street Playground (July 30, Aug. 6, 13). Fridays at Mozart Street Playground and Joyce Playground (July 10, 17, 24), and Training Field and Doherty-Gibson Playground (July 31, Aug. 7, 14). Tuesdays at Iacono Playground and Walsh Playground (July 14, 21), and Elliot Norton Park (July 28, Aug. 4, 11).
• STEM and Youth Preparedness Workshops (10 a.m. and 11 a.m.): Mondays at McConnell Park (July 13), Tiffany Moore Tot Lot (July 20), Moakley Park (July 27), Hunt-Almont Park (Aug. 3), and Peters Park (Aug. 10).
• Rosalita’s Puppets (11 a.m.): Fallon Field (July 23), Mozart Street Playground (July 24), Myrtle Street Playground (July 30), O’Day Playground (July 31), Medal of Honor Park (Aug. 6), and Doherty-Gibson Playground (Aug. 7).
For more information, visit boston.gov/parkarts.