Mayor Marty Walsh will host the first Swan Boat ride of the season on Saturday at the Public Garden lagoon at 10:00 a.m. This year marks the 138th season (April 19 to September 21) the boats will take to the Public Gardens courtesy of the that’s operated the boats for that entire time.
“I’m proud to be joining the Paget family and Bostonians of all ages to celebrate 138 years of the Boston Swan Boats,” said Mayor Walsh in a press release. “As millions of residents and visitors already know, springtime is a great time to enjoy a ride around the Public Garden lagoon surrounded by the park’s greenery and flowers coming into bloom for the season.”
The mayor will be accompanied by students from Boston Public Schools including the Ellis Mendell Elementary School in Roxbury and the Chittick Elementary School in Mattapan. Selected drawings of the Swan Boats from the students will be placed on display at City Hall for four weeks starting April 28.
In the 1870’s, Robert Paget, an Irish immigrant and ship builder, started his business of boating in the Public Garden. In 1877, according to the Swan Boats website, he designed his first fleet after being inspired by the opera Lohengrin that ends with the hero crossing a river in a boat drawn by a swan.
The first fleet was made up of single seaters that held eight passengers and was powered by the same bicycle method used in today’s replicas which have five or six benches that can carry a total of 20 passengers. The oldest boat in the today’s fleet was built by Roberts son John in 1918, the newest boat was built in 1993. There are no other swan boats of this kind anywhere in the world.
After spending many summers working with the family on the Swan Boats, John’s son Paul took over the business in 1969 after his father passed away. Paul and his wife Marilyn continue to hold up the iconic tradition today.
To enjoy the Swan Boats this season here are the hours and fares:
Spring (April to June 20) 10 am to 4 pm
Summer (June 21 to Labor Day) 10 am to 5 pm
Fall (After Labor Day) 12 pm to 4 pm Weekdays
10 am to 4 pm Weekends
Adults $3.00
Children $1.50 (age 2 to 15 years, under 2 free)
Seniors $2.50
