From The Archives: Passive Parks
As early as 1982, Garden Club of the Back Bay members were discussing the misuse of the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. The complaints mostly revolved around ball and frisbee playing by college students. A suggestion for interpretive plaques was considered, to explain how the Mall, designed as a “passive park” should and should not be used. It’s always a fine line, but soon signs were installed asking visitors to keep dogs on leashes only, to use trash barrels, to refrain from skateboarding, rollerskating, or pursuing active sports on the grass, etc. Still, as good weather returns to Boston, we see exuberant young people rejoicing in the beauty of the neighborhood – just try to keep off the grass!
