For the parks department, this spring is a waiting game. After a winter that has officially dumped the most snow in recorded history on the city of Boston, those clamoring to return to the city’s snowbound parks, fields, and playgrounds will have to wait a while.

“Right now, we’re in an assessment stage. We’re waiting for Mother Nature to take its course and melt the snow,” said Ryan Woods, spokesman for the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. “We’re still finding what’s buried under the snow.”

There are 331 parks across Boston’s neighborhoods and as the snow kept falling, it became harder and harder for crews to come by and clear up around play equipment. Plus, Woods noted, many of the playgrounds have rubber surfaces, which can be punctured and marred by any sharp or heavy equipment. The city spent an additional $300,000 on snow removal contracting this year to ensure the sidewalks around the parks were cleared after each storm, he said.

Now, with spring arriving tomorrow evening, it’s first things first – getting to those trash barrels, which are full or overflowing. Another big date on the calendar for the parks and recreation folks, as well as legions of the city’s parents and kids, is the start of the little league baseball season in May. By the end of April, fields are likely to still be soggy, and the grounds could be too soft to support the equipment used to draw lines, much less plows beforehand. “That is a concern for us,” Woods said.

The snow has also delayed construction and renovations at some parks, including Town Field, all of which usually begin in March. Woods said crews will be a month behind schedule. “At the individual neighborhood parks, Mother Nature is doing the work,” he said. “Then if need be, we’ll get crews in to do the rest of the work.” Those concerned about snow-removal issues, an overflowing trash barrel, or other matters, can contact the city Monday through Friday during business hours at 617-635-PARK.

“Other than that, we’re in great shape,” Woods said. “We’re trying to get to each park to get to trash and debris. Parks continue to be a free and fun place for families and citizens.”

Woods, a Dorchester native, lives across from the Friends of Martin Tot Lot on Hilltop Street, and has credited the work of a local group in keeping the park clean not just this winter, but year-round. Those interested in joining a similar group in their area can contact Marchelle Jacques-Yarde, the parks department’s outreach coordinator, at 617-961-3006 and marchelle.jacques-yarde@boston.gov.

The city will stick to the schedule whenever possible, including plans to begin planting flowers in the beds along Columbia Road and Blue Hill Avenue on April 1. “You’ll see some life and color as we turn into spring,” Woods said.