Hayes Park

For folks wandering the city for a day, but want a simple, clean oasis to just unwind yet feel "part of the city fabric," this little park is a local gem. Close enough to the "local's downtown" of Copley, et. al., yet still enough blocks away to get out of the hustle and bustle. Hayes of the South End's many "neighborhood parks," this tiny yet charming green space is surprisingly tranquil, yet not dull. The circular garden in the center is regular tended by locals within the community, who take pride in the park's humble yet manicured upkeep. This is the ultimate "grab coffee and sit outdoors with a friend" spot. The space seems literally designed to encourage conversation. The benches are arranged in a circle around the center garden, with just enough gap to gibe a sense of personal space while not being remote. There is also a nifty little alcove of benches that feels almost like a private spot. The benches are basic park benches – don't come expecting grand comfort. They'll do for a little while, but yeah, as with all wooden slat park benches, your butt might fall asleep after an hour or two if you linger! The park is perfect for pretty much all ages. I've brought older folks here, who are grateful they don't ave to get on the ground to enjoy Hayes. Now, folks who are hardcore grass lovers will be disappointed, as there are only two teeny lawn spaces. If you're looking for some serious nature absorption, head up to Jamaica Plain's excellent public spaces; this is truly a "sit and chat" park, not a nature conservatory. The play park space Hayes is small yet well designed. Ideally for kids who are younger and have imagination (3 to 7 years, give or take), the space is a climbable network of wooden shapes. Not much to "do," but kids who invent adventures will have blast. Likewise the structure also makes for some great quiet adult sitting, when you want a change up form the benches. Occasionally, mostly at mid-day, you get little ones climbing the terrifically (yet again, simply) designed play structures. However, the way the shrubs cordon off the play area from the rest, you can easily avoid stuck in the middle of a bunch of screaming kids if you want to just "chill in Hayes" for a while. The park is at it's peak in summer, with the trees creating a rather gorgeous canopy. You can always find tons of sun, yet always find tons of shade – they really nailed the plantings and bench placement. The fall is the next best season, with the leaves rustling across the gravel circular path in just the right way to give that New England feel in the classic Bostonian Victorian style. In the spring Hayes still has it's charm, but it's rather sparse and plain until it begins to green up. Winter, without snow, you probably won't be having too much in an open park, but again, there are worse public spaces to visit. I've been a frequent regular at Hayes for over 20 years, and it still stays out as one fo my all time favorite public spaces in Boston. Would have given five stars, except I did not want to mislead people into thinking this was some premier comfort zone. It's just the quintessential out-of-the way green space.

Nice neighborhood corner stough a small playground

Wonderful park when the children aren't in the playground. Very peaceful, lots of dogs, but not very many birds.

Lovely spot to relax, nice play area for children. Shaded street

Stopped by to have coffee with Mayor Wu. A very relaxing and peaceful place.