First, on Monday, December 30th, the Boston Parks Commission will hold a hearing on the newly proposed ban on smoking in Boston parks at 1010 Mass Ave from 10am-Noon. While we enthusiastically support this symbolic public health and anti-litter measure, it's a complicated issue for FPC. The public is welcome to participate, let me know if you'd like to be there!
The Lemuel Shattuck Hospital is located at one edge of the park. As the largest and one of the two remaining public health hospitals in the state, the Shattuck serves a high risk and needy population of patients with serious and chronic illness, addiction, and mental health diagnoses. Because smoking is not allowed on the Hospital grounds, patients come into the park to smoke. This places an unfair burden of cigarette smoke and litter on the park, yet we are sympathetic to the needs of patients and the challenge of quitting when so much else is going on in their lives. We hope to work with the head of the hospital to determine some place for patients to smoke that is not in the park and meets their regulations.
Second, the Walsh Transition Team on Environment, Energy & Open Space is holding a forum on Tuesday, January 7th from 7:00 - 9:30pm at English High School. I am officially on the committee, but am also expecting to submit ideas that fit into the Transition Team format of "Keep, Implement, Dream." Two big things for Franklin Park include upgrading paths for runners like you and funding through ParkARTS to sustain and expand the Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park series that is so popular.
The Boston Park Advocates, of which FPC is a lead organizer, has created a great list for parks across the city. Check it out if you are interested.
Enjoy a run in the coming warm days, I'm on my way to the park for a WALK.
--Christine
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