We’ve hosted several Pitch-a-Blanket outings along Boston’s waterfront, but it’s easy to host one on your own. It’s also an important way to reclaim public spaces in Boston’s Seaport and Downtown Waterfront areas. The more active the public space, the more likely we are to maintain a vibrant Boston Harbor. It’s the only way that the harbor will remain the People’s Harbor.
So how can you host your own “Pitch-A-Blanket Day”? We’ve laid the basics out here, but you can find more info – including checklists and sample evites and press releases in our Pitch-a-Blanket toolkit (in English and español):
- Pick a date, time, and location. The date and time are up to you (we suggest focusing on the nicer times of the year) but the locations aren’t. Make sure to check out this interactive map to determine which areas of Boston’s waterfront are public spaces and choose one.
- Grab your friends. You don’t need a crowd to enjoy Boston’s waterfront, but it’s okay if you have one. Find a few friends who are interested in preserving the public’s right to access Boston Harbor and ask them to join you.
- Know your rights. This is an important one. Make sure you know your rights when it comes to public space near the Harbor, especially in areas where your rights are contested.
- Show up. So you’ve got your friends, your location, you know your rights, and you’re ready for a relaxing afternoon along Boston’s waterfront. All that is left is to show up and enjoy!
- Tweet it up. Actually, there is one more thing: Make sure you harness the power of social media to amplify the message that Boston Harbor is the People’s Harbor. By highlighting the ways you’re using public space, you’ll be encouraging others to use it, too.
Don’t forget to download our Pitch-a-Blanket toolkit for templates, checklists, and more.
The People’s Harbor and the waterfront is your space, and the more you enjoy it, the more everyone gets to enjoy it. Share with us your experience by emailing us or posting on social media. And enjoy!