By Dan Murphy
The Friends of the Public Garden is seeking volunteers to assist in a study that intends to shed light on usage of the Boston Common.
Working with an experienced research firm, the non-proåfit will execute a three-season study of the Common to better understand how and how often the park is used, as well as where its users come from and their interests and needs. Volunteers and Friends staff members will help complete the survey by conducting interviews and observing and recording trends of park usage. Results of the study will help inform park planning and management.
To volunteer, interested individuals must posses a clear speaking voice in English, which can be heard outdoors; enthusiasm and ease in approaching park users to interview them; attention to detail and adherence to instructions when surveying and observing park users; and the ability to make quick “head counts” of visitors to the Common.Volunteers are needed for various times of the day during the spring, summer and fall. (The study will not examine park usage during the winter). A minimum commitment of 20 hours is required, which includes training time and five three-hour shifts on different days, while the maximum commitment is 40 hours, with training time and 10 three-to-four hour shifts. Shift times are flexible, from the early morning through the early evening on weekdays and weekends.
To volunteer for this project, e-mail [email protected].