Safety is the duty of all users of the park. Acting in a responsible manner and reporting serious concerns is the best way to keep our park safe for all users. If you become aware of any undesirable activity, or feel unsafe, or see dogs which are not leashed or are acting aggressively, please use the following numbers to report these to the proper authorities.

Clean Up after Your Dog:

The City of Boston’s dog fouling ordinance, section 16–1.10a of the city code, requires dog owners to remove and properly dispose of any feces left by their dogs. This ordinance covers waste left by your dog on sidewalks, streets and parks, and on your neighbor’s yards.

The law requires that when walking your dog, you need to be prepared and be equipped with a bag or some other means of feces removal. After it is removed, it is important to dispose of the feces properly, either in a trash container (or toilet), after being secured in a plastic bag.

These laws are intended to protect the public from potential hazardous health conditions, and prevent environmental pollution caused by dog waste.

Keep Your Dog Under Control:

Essential rules to be followed by all responsible dog owners.

  • When your dog is off your property, it must be on a leash. The purpose of Massachusetts general laws, chapter 140, section 173 and city ordinance 16–1.9 is intended to protect people from free roaming dogs.
  • When not confined to your property either inside the house or in secured fenced yard, your dog must be under control. A responsible dog owner does not allow their pet to be a menace to their neighbors, chasing cars and children, getting into trash, not to mention soiling their neighbor’s yards.
  • the same rules apply while enjoying our city’s parks with our pets.. We must respect the rights of those with whom we share the city’s parks in order to ensure a clean and safe environment for all.

Safe Walk- SAFETY TIPS

  • When possible avoid walking alone, especially at night. Your vulnerability to street crime is reduced as much as 70 percent by simply being in a group.
  • Before exiting the train station, put your keys in your hand or keep them in your pocket.
  • Keep a safety whistle on your key chain to scare away a potential criminal and summon help.
  • Carry a cell phone.  This is the fastest way to get help in an emergency. Program 617–343-4911 into your cell phone
  • Walk with confidence, be aware of you surroundings and avoid bushes and poorly lit areas.
  • If walking alone, walk in the street as opposed to the sidewalk, or walk as close as possible to the curb.  
  • If you are forced into a physical confrontation, remember blow your whistle, scream or do whatever is necessary to draw attention to yourself.  Scream “Fire,” “Help.”    
  • If you are being followed, stay in a well lit area, seek safety in a public place and call 911 for help. Give the operator your location quickly so they can help you as fast as possible.
  • Carry a little flashlight to use when walking in dark places.
  • Consider taking a taxi or asking a friend for a ride if it’s late at night.
  • Avoid dark alleys, short cuts and vacant lots, particularly at night.
  • Don’t wear headphones or talk on your cell phone when walking or jogging alone.
  • Use a purse with a zipper or a flap that fastens, and carry it close to your body on inside your jacket.
  • Trust your instincts. If you see someone that makes you uncomfortable, try to walk away and get help or call the police. If you are unable to run, consider walking up a nearby set of steps, and repeatedly ringing the doorbell, regardless of the time of night. The residents can call the police for you, and the person following you will likely run away.
  • Always report suspicious people and any crimes by calling the police at 911. No call is too small. (is this ph # different if on cell? If so, should we repeat the cell # here?)

Also see our list of emergency phone numbers if you need help. park a safe and enjoyable place for all.