BOSTON – Thursday, April 4, 2024 – Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department will host the 2024 Neighborhood Coffee Hour Series in partnership with Dunkin’® in parks citywide from April 22 to June 26.
Mayor Wu’s Neighborhood Coffee Hours offer a unique opportunity to speak directly with the Mayor and staff from City departments about open space and their neighborhoods. Through these conversations, and a suggestion box at each site, Mayor Wu looks forward to hearing how the City of Boston can improve upon parks, public areas, and City services.
“Every neighborhood and every resident has their own diverse set of concerns that deserve to not only be heard, but to be acknowledged and addressed,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am excited for all of the conversations and connection that will come from Neighborhood Coffee Hours.”
Leadership and staff from the Community Engagement Cabinet will be at each Coffee Hour. Community members will have an opportunity to meet their neighborhood liaisons, who will share updates on each neighborhood, including how many 311 cases have been resolved, streets repaired, as well as the City’s investments in housing, local businesses, and the arts. The City is again releasing a Community Input Survey, which provides an opportunity for constituents to ask questions and inform what will be presented during Coffee Hours with the Mayor. Last year, this proved to be a success, allowing constituents to hear directly from the Mayor and City leaders as they addressed concerns and answered constituents’ questions at each Coffee Hour event.
“Coffee Hours with the Mayor is an intentional effort to meet community members in the heart of their neighborhoods,” said Brianna Millor, Chief of the Community Engagement Cabinet. “I encourage residents, including our youth, seniors, civic organizations, business owners, and local leaders to attend this neighborhood-centered event. Boston 311 will be present to connect residents to essential city services.”
Dunkin’ will be on-site with freshly brewed Iced Coffee and MUNCHKINS® donut hole treats. Dunkin’ will have lawn games and gift card giveaways. Residents at each event will also be eligible to win a raffle prize from Dunkin’. Individuals in attendance will receive a free flowering plant provided by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, while supplies last. Fresh fruit will be provided by Star Market.
“Mayor Wu’s Neighborhood Coffee Hours are vital for community engagement, allowing residents to share their thoughts directly. We’re grateful for their participation,” noted Ryan Woods, Commissioner of the Parks and Recreation Department. “These events not only foster dialogue but also mark the kickoff for our exciting summer calendar of events. From outdoor concerts to movies to arts and crafts workshops for kids, our programming breathes life into our parks, fulfilling our core mission of creating vibrant spaces for all to enjoy.”
All coffee hours will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., weather permitting. Visit boston.gov/coffee-hours for more information. The full schedule of Mayor Wu’s 2024 Neighborhood Coffee Hours is as follows:
Monday, April 22
Billings Field
369 LaGrange Street
West Roxbury
Wednesday, April 24
Training Field (Winthrop Square)
55 Winthrop Street
Charlestown
Thursday, April 25
Adams Park
4225 Washington Street
Roslindale
Monday, April 29
Horatio Harris Park
85 Harold Street
Roxbury
Wednesday, May 1
Walker Playground
550 Norfolk Street
Mattapan
Monday, May 6
Peter’s Park
230 Shawmut Avenue
South End
Tuesday, May 7
Mozart Street Playground
10 Mozart Street
Jamaica Plain
Thursday, May 23
McConnell Park
30 Denny Street
Dorchester
Wednesday, May 29
Noyes Playground
86 Boardman Street
East Boston
Friday, May 31
Medal of Honor Park
E 3rd and M Street
South Boston
Thursday, June 6
Iacono Playground
150 Readville Street
Hyde Park
Friday, June 7
Elliot Norton Park
295 Tremont Street
Bay Village/Chinatown
Tuesday, June 11
Langone Park
529 Commercial Street
North End
Friday, June 14
Back Bay Fens (Near Kelleher Rose Garden)
73 Park Drive
Fenway/Kenmore
Monday, June 17
Brighton Common
30 Chestnut Hill Avenue
Allston-Brighton
Tuesday, June 18
Commonwealth Avenue Mall (Arlington Street entrance)
15 Commonwealth Avenue
Back Bay/Beacon Hill
Monday, June 24
Mission Hill Playground
1497 Tremont Street
Mission Hill
Wednesday, June 26
Mother’s Rest
410 Washington Street
Dorchester
For more information and updates on possible rain locations, please contact the Boston Parks and Recreation Department at (617) 635-4505 or @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, or Instagram, or by visiting boston.gov/parks.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.