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The Newton Park and Recreation Commission voted 5-3 to to designate a section of Cold Spring Park as Newton's first off-leash park. The park will open at the ball field at the end of Duncklee Street for a nine-month trial as soon as rules for off-leash recreation are posted.
The approval of the trial period for off-leash recreation at Cold Spring Park was reported Wednesday in the Daily News Tribune.
From the Mystic River Watershed Association via e-mail
PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY: Potentially Toxic Cyanobacteria Found in the Mystic River in Medford & Somerville: During routine water quality monitoring of the Mystic River in Medford and Somerville on November 13th, 2008, Mystic River Watershed Association staff and volunteers observed widespread cyanobacteria blooms ranging from Medford Center to the Blessing of the Bay boathouse. Certain types of cyanobacteria can be toxic and may pose a potential health risk to humans that come in contact with the water. The cyanobacteria can also be harmful to dogs that ingest the water.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, "Health concerns vary depending on the type of exposure (contact or ingestion) and the concentrations of microcystis and its toxin, microcystin. Contact with high levels of the cyanobacteria algae has been found to contribute to eye, ear, and skin irritation. More serious health effects (e.g. muscle cramps, twitching) can also occur. If elevated levels of the algal toxin, microcystin, are also present in the water, serious liver damage can result."The Mystic River Watershed Association recommends that people and their pets avoid contact with water that is covered in a blue-green film of algae.
For more information about cyanobacteria blooms, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/hab/cyanobacteria/facts.htm
If you have any questions or would like to report a sighting of a cyanobacteria bloom in the Mystic Watershed, please contact Mary Beth Dechant at 781-316-3438.
