Take Back Franklin Park

Yesterday, a woman pushing a carriage around the path of Scarboro Pond was attacked at 1:30 p.m. For the complete story, please check the Jamaica Plain Gazette article.

Today, the Franklin Park Coalition sent an email to friends and members. For those that may not have received the email from the executive director, Christine Poff, or the invitation to "Take Back Franklin Park" on Thursday night, the details are below. Even if you can't attend, we urge you to continue to use park wisely as an attack like this has not happened in almost a decade. Franklin Park is one of the safest parks in Boston because of the large and active community that keeps their eyes and ears open to make the park a better place for all.

Dear Franklin Park Friends, 

Most of you have heard about the terrible attack that happened in our park yesterday at 1:30 in the afternoon on one of the paths near Scarboro Pond. A woman was walking with a child in a carriage when a man approached from behind, pulled her off the path and attempted to sexually molest and strangle her. Her screams alerted nearby golfers and the attacker ran from the scene when the golfers arrived. Luckily she is not seriously hurt, but her emotional distress will not be easily forgotten. There has been nothing like this for the last ten years; Boston Police say Franklin Park is one of the safest in the city.

As Franklin Park advocates we cannot ignore the incident. A woman and a park were violated. Please join me and Franklin Park Coalition board and members on Thursday evening for a walk around the golf course loop path. We will walk together in support and safety to witness the beauty and peace of the park, even in the dark, and work to overcome the fear that comes from knowledge of an attack like this.

Meet at the Golf Clubhouse at 5:30 on Thursday evening, December 1st; bring flashlights to light up the night. Women with strollers are most welcome - we will surround and protect you.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the woman who was attacked, please join us Thursday night and spread the word to your neighbors, friends and fellow park users.

For more information or directions please email: mail@franklinparkcoalition.org or call 617-442-4141.

Day of event phone: 617-908-4002.

Please also consider some of the following safety tips for running alone. These tips in no way imply that yesterday's victim was not careful. As runners, we tend to spend time alone, but there are precautions that can help to make us just a bit safer. 

1. Use common sense. Before you even head out for a run, take a minute or two to do a safety check. Are your shoes tied? Are you familiar with your route? Does someone else know where you'll be running? Once you start running, continue with the safety checks. Make sure you're running off the street or against traffic (so you can see cars coming at you). Watch out for cracks or bumps in the sidewalk, or rocks and branches on your running path.

2. Make sure you're visible. No matter time of day you're running, it's important that you're visible, especially to drivers. Get in the habit of wearing white or bright-colored clothes. When running in the early morning, night, or dusk, make sure you have reflective gear on. Although some items (running shoes, jackets) already have reflective pieces on them, it doesn't hurt to add more. A reflective vest can be worn over any form of running clothing and will definitely help drivers see you. Run in a place where people can see you in general if you are alone.

3. Don’t run alone. No matter how comfortable you feel running alone, there's always more safety in numbers. If you usually run solo, try to find a running group so you'll have running partners. The Forest Hills Runners and the Emerald Necklace Running Club offer runs in Franklin Park and the surrounding area.

4. Always have identification on you. Put your driver's license and your medical insurance card (in case you get injured) in your pocket or wear an ID tag on your shoe. If you're wearing an ID tag or bracelet, make sure it has an emergency contact number on it. Whenever possible, try to run with a cell phone, and it has my ICE (In Case of Emergency) numbers saved. Many runners use running belts to hold their ID and cell phone.

5. Limit your distractions.  It's tough -- maybe impossible -- for some of you to run without music, but you really shouldn't use your iPod or MP3 player for outdoor runs. Cutting off your sense of hearing means you can't hear oncoming cars, cyclists yelling to move, unleashed dogs, or any other potential threat. Save your iPod for your treadmill runs. And make sure you pay attention to your surroundings. If you let your mind wander too much, you may find yourself wandering into an unsafe area.

6. Trust your instincts. If a location or person makes you feel comfortable, trust your gut and run in the other direction.

(adapted from About.com/Running)