Ross Playground

History and Overview

Located in Boston's Hyde Park neighborhood, Ross Playground has been a cherished green retreat since 1936. This 12.6-acre park has been a neighborhood fixture for generations, with increasing usage after some nearby school parks closed.

Athletic Facilities

The heart of Ross Playground features expansive open fields that accommodate baseball fields and multiple softball fields. These fields host both casual games and community leagues throughout the season.

Sports options don't end there - the park also offers tennis courts and basketball courts where local talent shines. You'll often spot neighborhood schools using these spaces for team practices, with the rhythmic bounce of basketballs becoming part of the park's natural soundtrack.

Children's Area

Little ones have their own dedicated area at Ross Playground with a newly renovated playground and splash pad. The partial universal-design makes play accessible for children of all abilities.

The playground equipment skews younger, making this spot especially meant for toddlers and preschoolers between two and five years old - a space appropriate for younger children's play.

Dog-Friendly Features

Four-legged friends aren't forgotten at Ross Playground. A looping walking path encircles the entire park, commonly used for dog walks. Morning and evening, you'll see neighbors and their pups enjoying fresh air along this popular trail.

The unspoken rule among regular visitors is keeping dogs away from the children's areas - a simple courtesy that helps everyone enjoy the space.

Community Use

Ross Playground has a beautiful rhythm throughout the day. Mornings might find seniors taking their constitutional walks, afternoons bring families with energetic youngsters, and evenings see adults unwinding with exercise after work.

The park has also become an extension of local school grounds, with classes occasionally filing in to make use of the courts and fields for outdoor activities.

Facilities

Note that there are no restrooms available at Ross Playground, so plan accordingly before your visit. Trash receptacles are scattered across the grounds to help keep this community space clean and welcoming.

Transportation and Access

Getting to Ross Playground is straightforward with plenty of street parking available nearby, plus a small parking lot that includes a handicap spot. If you're using public transit, the 24 and 33 bus routes will get you here, with a convenient stop at River St. and Reddy Ave.

The park welcomes visitors daily from 6AM to 11:30PM, accommodating both early birds and night owls looking for a bit of outdoor time.