PSUF - Public Space

Active Design/Construction Projects and Plans

The SomerVoice website is the information and engagement platform the City uses. To learn about active parks, plazas and plans that are being designed or constructed, please visit the SomerVoice page, click on the “HOME” tab and “All SomerVoice Projects”.
 

Somerville Pollinator Action Plan

Follow Our Work:
You can find updates, relevant documents, opportunities to participate, and meeting links on our SomerVoice page: http://voice.somervillema.gov/somerville-pollinator-action-plan.
 

Park List and Maps

There are more than 80 parks and open spaces throughout the City of Somerville. Visit the links below for information on a specific park, and please note the City of Somerville's park rules:

• All City parks are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages is not allowed.
• If dogs are allowed, you need to keep your dog on a leash. You can find a list of on and off-leash parks here.
• Water features are on, in season,  from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. They are on timers and there is a rest time between cycles. Please be patient. Do not hit the activator buttons with excessive force. For a map of the city’s Pools & Water Features, click here.
• We allow service animals for people with disabilities at all City parks.
• You may need a recreational permit to use athletic fields or to use a park for an event. Visit the Somerville Parks and Recreation website at somervillerec.com for more information.
• Neither grills nor open flames may be used in any City parks.

Map of Somerville Parks

Inventory of Parks and Open Space

Park Maps

• CDBG Street Trees Map
• Map of Somerville Parks
• Interactive Map of Parks and Community Gardens
• Interactive Map of Parks with Water Play Features
• Park Activities and Amenities

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot? Check Out Our Pools and Water Sprays!

Plans and Reports

Landscape Development Review

What Is Green Score?

The Green Score requirement is triggered when a property undergoes substantial renovation, a new principal building is constructed, or certain private development projects are proposed. As detailed in Section 10.4 of the Somerville Zoning Ordinance, the Green Score aims to encourage urban landscape features that manage stormwater, filter pollutants, reduce the urban heat island effect, provide habitat, sequester carbon dioxide, and improve air quality. It is the responsibility of the Public Space and Urban Forestry (PSUF) to review and approve this component of the development permitting process.

For More Information Please See These Documents:

• Green Score Guide
• Green Scorecard (Excel file)
• List of High-Value Trees

POPS Guide

Another aspect of the PSUF landscape development review, distinct from the Green Score and only triggered by larger development projects, involves POPS, or Privately-Owned Public Spaces. These are public areas created as part of private development projects in Somerville, in compliance with the Somerville Zoning Ordinance (SZO). Also known as civic spaces, POPS can be either city-owned or developer-owned, but they are all intended for public use. City-owned spaces are transferred to the city after development, while developer-owned spaces remain privately held but are permanently designated for public access. The upkeep of these spaces is generally negotiated between the private developer and the City’s Department of Public Space and Urban Forestry (PSUF).

• POPS Design Guide

Donate a Bench or Tree

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