The Mary T. Early Bridge is a wonderful addition to the Charles River path area. However, people still need to respect the bridge, the nature surrounding it, and the wildlife.
The path is for everyone, both the animals and people alike. These are the unwritten rules that are mostly common sense, but when they are broken, they are mostly public nuisances, but in some cases, can be against the law.
These are issues that certainly are not only happening in Waltham when it comes to a community which has a path like the one by the Charles River. I felt compelled to write, because this summer, the path has gotten out of hand with certain situations:
There should be trash barrels for people to throw their garbage in. Someone has a good idea by tying bags to the benches on occasion to lessen the amount of trash littered. This is a good start to solving the problem of littering.
The shopping carts are not trash cans, nor should they be thrown in the river.
The ducks and geese do not want green, moldy, stale, old bread.
Do not tease the seagulls by waving food around, it is immature.
People should not be harassed, especially in a lewd manner.
Please clean up after your dog(s). The geese should clean up after themselves too, but this is part of their nature.
Meanwhile, humans should know better; urination is not to be done in public.
Open containers of liquor are prohibited in public places, according to Mass law, as public drinking is also prohibited.
Defacing or doing any purposeful permanent damage to the property is disrespectful, along with being illegal.
Watch out for poison ivy and poison sumac plants.
Do not try to fish for the turtles, the fish hooks will get caught in their mouths and will hurt them.
Watch your surroundings, as people have been known to trespass by the trestle, especially late at night.
There should be more lighting down the river walk area to make it safer during the dusk and evening hours.
People who must walk the path during the darker hours, such as getting out of work, either take the main road or walk with someone if you feel afraid.
I wrote this list because I do not want the Charles River to lose its reputation as a safe and beautiful part of Waltham. It is important to the community that the Charles River stays a friendly environment.
