Reading Community Services

06/17/2026

05/26/2026

This past Friday, we officially opened our newest playground and basketball courts at Birch Meadow!

To say the area was buzzing with excitement all day would be an understatement. It was great seeing so many neighbors, kids, families, and high school students enjoying the space. We had the chance to speak with many community members throughout the evening, and the feedback was truly amazing.

We sincerely appreciate everyone’s patience and support throughout this project, especially the surrounding neighborhood, which has experienced two major projects over the past 2+ years. Seeing the community enjoying the space made all the hard work worth it.

We hope everyone has a chance to get out and enjoy the new area. And for those who were there Friday night… the sunset did not disappoint!

A friendly reminder: please stay off the newly seeded grass areas while they continue to establish and properly throw away any rubbish you bring in. Thank you for helping us keep the space looking great for everyone to enjoy!

- Reading Recreation

(Photo: Five photos are posted that show the new basketball court and new playground being utilized by the community with an amazing sunset!)

05/19/2026

The Town of Reading would like to sincerely thank the community and surrounding neighborhoods for their patience, understanding, and continued support throughout the Birch Meadow Phase II project. Reading Community Services is pleased to announce that the playground, basketball courts, pathways, and surrounding park areas are scheduled to officially reopen for public use on Friday, May 22.

We kindly ask all visitors to remain off the newly seeded grass areas to allow adequate time for it to establish. Grass areas will remain roped off over the next several weeks, and periodic watering of the grounds will continue during normal workday hours while the park remains open.

As with many outdoor construction projects, weather conditions and scheduling challenges impacted the overall project timeline. Throughout the process, the Town remained committed to ensuring the project was completed properly, safely, and in accordance with all design specifications and quality standards.

An official ribbon-cutting ceremony is being planned for June, with the date and time to be announced in the coming weeks. We greatly appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation throughout this project and are excited to see residents and families enjoy this newly redeveloped space for many years to come.

For more project details go here: https://readingma.gov/1017/Birch-Meadow-Phase-II

05/14/2026

Come chat with our Town Manager, Jayne Wellman!

04/27/2026

We had a wonderful time at the Pleasant Street Center this past Thursday as we explored the vibrant and inspiring world of Vincent van Gogh!

A heartfelt thank you to the Reading Cultural Council for generously funding this program, and to Jane Oneail, founder of Culturally Curious, for leading such an engaging and insightful presentation. From Sunflowers to The Starry Night, attendees discovered how Van Gogh’s bold brushstrokes and vivid colors transformed everyday scenes, wheat fields, cafés, and more, into some of the most beloved works in art history.

04/23/2026

Come check out our POMtastics class every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m.! Call 781-942-6794 to register.

Led by Joie Edson, a former New England Patriots Cheerleader, this class is a fun and energetic way to stay active and start your day on a high note.

And a big shoutout to our Pomtastics group for their recent performance at a Boston Celtics game. You looked fantastic, ladies!

04/16/2026

It was a very special day for our Community Services team as we celebrated the groundbreaking for the Reading Center for Active Living and new pickleball courts!

Elder & Human Services, Recreation, and Veterans Services are excited to continue serving the Reading community at these state-of-the-art facilities.

Thank you to all the community members whose support has helped make these projects possible. We’re looking forward to what’s ahead!

04/15/2026

Save the Date for the Reading Garden Club Plant Sale! 🌸