Apparently, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts does not own a bolt cutter
By adamg - Wed, 07/09/2008 - 10:45am.
Everybody agrees it's wrong that those brand-spanking new fields along the Charles River are padlocked most of the time, yet nobody can agree why, let alone simply send out a guy with a bolt cutter to end the problem.
Also...
They should just get rid of that garish chain link fence along the bike path, it's ugly and unwelcoming.
not the only fields that are paddlocked
The baseball fields on the Boston Common are padlocked now, too. I was there on a Sunday afternoon, and the pickup group I was with had to jump the fences to get into the field. Seems like yet another example of park ranger "Big Fish Little Pond" Syndrome. I seriously doubt the padlocks over by the river are a unique or accidental situation.
Also, if you look over the permits, they all apply to formal leagues. There's no accommodation for "a group of guys", either in terms of fees ($50-100/hour) or even a checkbox on the form. Cambridge is the same way with their fields. The forms sometimes get pretty specific with checkboxes for "pop warner", but nothing for "group of friends" or "semi-organized pickup."
So, basically- if you're just a large group of friends, you're out of luck. You can't get a permit, and if someone does show up who (claims) to have a permit, they boot you off...
Work on the common?
I was under the impression that they were doing work on the Common. This being Boston, that doesn't necessitate people being seen, ya know, working at anything, but there is a reason for the Common fences.
Right? Or is the baseball field not part of the park improvement project.
I actually don't have a problem with the "If someone shows up with a permit" model. These fields should be reserved for youth leagues above "a bunch of people". But that doesn't mean a bunch of people shouldn't have access when its not being used.
At least...
all the fertilizer is going to good use, creating toxic algae blooms on the Charles.
This was obviously a vantiy
This was obviously a vantiy project, and had nothing to do with serving the people of Boston. How about tearing our the ballfields and just making it a park? Oh, wait, they can't keep the Boston Common clear of junkies and crack smokers - better leave those padlocks on.
Shocker!
Shocker!
The gates were wide open, at least at 5:30 PM, today. Two guys were inside, grooming the infield, as well.
Getting ready for all the kids to arrive, no doubt.
Give the Globe credit
Good little investigative story that seems to have inspired action on the part of some "Not my yob" public employees. Anyone for some pickup softball?