Boston's Best Outdoor Basketball Courts

Basketball is one of the few sports that is typically easy to play unadulterated in a city. This is largely thanks to the fact that players do not need a vast field to play. However, basketball courts can suffer from neglect, poor design and location. Boston has its share of these decrepit courts, but it also has many fantastic courts that are kept well, attract fellow players and meet regulation standards. These places to play are scattered throughout the city so players everywhere get a shot at a good court.

The Edward Devotion School
345 Harvard St.
Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 879-4400
www.devotionschool.org

Across from the Edward Devotion School's playground are three full basketball courts. These are active courts, but remember to respect school games and hours. Apart from that, it is an open house for the community. There is even a shorter hoop for children who cannot play a fair game on a regulation hoop. It will be easy to find a group to play a full game in the late afternoon on weekdays and a bit earlier on weekends. Players of all skill levels and ages play at Devotion Park.

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Peters Park
230 Shawmut Ave.
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 635-4505
www.peterspark.org

Peters Park has two full courts that attract a number of games on a daily basis. These are well maintained and surrounded by other park attractions. It is the surrounding park that makes Peters Park a great place for families with basketball lovers to visit together. Everyone can find something to do from playing in the grass, hitting on the tennis court or shooting some hoops. There is even a dog park on the property.

Titus Sparrow Park
200 W. Newton St.
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 536-1467
www.titussparrowpark.org

Titus Sparrow Park is another manicured park that offers visitors basketball and a lot more. The park's single court can get busy, but it is a good court that attracts good players. Players are limited to a single hour of play to allow for the next group of ballers to get in. Those who want to watch will find the adjacent stairs are a good spot to sit and watch or wait. Players are welcome to start playing at 8 a.m. and the court must empty at 9 p.m.

Malcolm X Park
Roxbury
Dale St.
Boston, MA 02119

Malcolm X Park was recently renovated with great success. The courts are fantastic, but it is typically difficult to find parking nearby. The fact that there are four full courts at this park more than makes up for it. There is plenty of action to be had at Malcolm X Park and has been for a long time. From seasoned local players to the next generation, there is quite the variety of players popping up. It may not be the most scenic place to play basketball in Boston, but the hoops are sturdy and the pavement solid.

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Back Bay Fens
125 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 522-2700
www.emeraldnecklace.org

For decades, there have been two basketball courts amid the greenery in the Back Bay Fens. This is a popular place for skilled players to run the court, so it may not be best for those who need to work on their game. However, those who are brave enough can jump in and see if they can swing. If it does not work out, there are plenty of places to lie panting in the grass in the park. The gardens and surrounding view are a great way to soothe a wounded ego or to celebrate a friendly win.

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.