18 Months In: Back-in parking worked all fall, winter and continues into spring

To Mayor Fuller and the Newton City Council,

I’m reaching out to share the success, at Albemarle, of back-in parking. I know we’ve shared it before, and I don’t want to waste anyone’s time, but I have learned that we need to speak up about the positive wins rather than take them for granted. 

In November 2023, Back-In Parking went into effect at Albemarle. The board of Friends of Albemarle championed this initiative because of the high number of accidents, reckless driving and a general culture of anxiety and fear around the many uses of this road.

Since then, compliance around the new parking approach has been so high that it is often at 100%. As a year-round visitor to the park at all times of day and throughout the week and weekend, I can attest that it is consistently successful. Pictures and details are linked below.

When has Back-In Parking worked at Albemarle?

-When 280 Day Middle students came in on 5 buses late at night in the rain from an award-winning musical performance in Central MA and had to all be picked up by their waiting parents – everyone was parked correctly!

-When contractors and inspectors came to review work being done on the fields – everyone parked correctly!

-During the transition to spring sports, for the second year in a row! (Check out a video from a year ago)

-When families arrive to use the playground

-When a massive flag football tournament was held at Albemarle in the fall

-During snowy days, rainy days, and sunny days…

-Early in the morning and later in the evening!

There has been a dramatic decrease in honking; there are many examples of people getting into trunks and more easily and safely getting gear out of their cars; and generally MUCH safer situations for kids exiting car doors that now face the park. It is also safer for the cyclists, drivers and pedestrians sharing the road.

Many doubts were shared at the beginning of this pilot, but the adoption has been nothing short of splendid.

What have we learned?

-People can learn new, safer habits.

-Change can work well, even when it seems inconvenient at first.

-This is a program that should absolutely be permanent at Albemarle.

-We should consider implementing it in other parts of Newton.

One notable element is that as soon as the speed bumps were removed for winter use, cars began driving more quickly down the street once again. We do need continuous infrastructure in place to ensure the safety of everyone who wants to share and enjoy this phenomenal Newton asset.

A huge THANK YOU to Newton’s Mayor, City Council, DPW, Transportation Director, Transportation Planning, Newton Police, Neighborways and ALL those who have worked hard to create a safer environment at Albemarle.