Press Release: 3/24/2026

DCR Invites the Public to Vote in the 4th Annual “Park Madness” Tournament

 

16 DCR properties will face off in a March Madness style bracket, with the public voting via Instagram for their favorite parks across Massachusetts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

3/23/2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Peter Jasinski, DCR Press Secretary

 Phone

Call Peter Jasinski, DCR Press Secretary at 617-762-6847

 Online

Email Peter Jasinski, DCR Press Secretary at peter.jasinski@mass.gov

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced today the return of its “Park Madness” tournament to celebrate the diverse state park system and crown the favorite state park in Massachusetts this year. Modeled after March Madness brackets, 16 parks from across the state will compete, with voting taking place on DCR’s Instagram account over the next two weeks.

Voting on the first round of matchups begins Wednesday, March 25. Subsequent rounds will be posted to Instagram, leading up to this year’s Park Madness champion being announced on April 6. Voting can only be done through Instagram, and votes must be entered through the voting feature on each post. Votes listed in each post’s comments section will not be counted. The tournament gives people a chance to support their favorite DCR outdoor spaces and discover new ones across Massachusetts.

“As the birthplace of basketball and home to some of the country’s most beautiful public lands, it’s only fitting that we celebrate the spirit of March Madness with our own Park Madness tournament,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “Our parks and open spaces belong to all of us, and each one offers something unique. Park Madness is a fun way for people to show pride in the spaces they love, discover new ones, and plan their spring outdoor adventures. We look forward to seeing which park comes out on top this year!”

Last year’s contest ended with the Boston Harbor Islands being crowned the 2025 champion. Walden Pond came out on top in 2024, while Belle Isle Marsh pulled off a stunning upset over the Charles River Esplanade in the inaugural Park Madness tournament in 2023. 

Each year, a new crop of competitors are chosen, pulling from every region of the state. This year’s competitors have been matched up for the first round as follows:  

###