Park Management

As a public greenspace, Franklin Park is owned and managed by the Boston Parks Department. FPC works with city officials, park institutions like the Zoo and the Shattuck Hospital, event organizers, and park user groups to encourage procedures and policies that will support passive and active use while mediating problems for the park landscape and broader community.

Special events like the fall cross country season, the summer cultural festivals, and various road races or fundraising walks can overwhelm everyday park users who are suddenly faced with hordes of people on what is usually a quiet, woodland path. Cars and buses fill the park for some of these events. Neighborhood residents must cope with noise and traffic volume not meant for the small streets around the park.

Yet, for a family coming to the Dominican Festival or a high school cross country star, Franklin Park is synonymous with their culture, their identity, and oft-remembered good times.

Read about what the Coalition, the Boston Parks Department, and the City of Boston are doing to bring better management to Franklin Park: 

Management Plan: The Coalition has long advocated for a management plan that outlines maintenance practices, permitting for events and activities, transportation and parking solutions, and long-term preservation of the park's 200 acres of woodlands.

Policing: Did you know there are nearly ten different public safety agencies that have jurisdiction in Franklin Park? It may be one of the safest parks in Boston, but we need the presence of Park Rangers and police to help people feel safe. Eyes on the Park offers a list of phone numbers you can call if you witness problems.

Permitting and Special Events: How are the myriad groups and events in Franklin Park - from Fall Cross Country to Summer Festivals to baseball leagues - managed?

Transportation: As environmental advocates, the Franklin Park Coalition works for better public transit, fewer cars, and more pedestrian park use. What changes are possible? A transportation study is currently in the works, hopefully we'll get information and data to help us work for pedestrian-friendly improvements.

Maintenance: Overwhelmed by a lack of resources and many acres, the Boston Parks Department keeps the grass mowed and the trash barrels emptied. What else is needed? Everyday park users are urged to report maintenance needs to the Park Line: 617-635-PARK.

Please share your input and observations about park management on the FPC Blog!