Photo: Carl Stevens/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Frontline workers at Longwood Medical and Academic Area in Boston got a break from their hectic work schedules to play with puppies on Wednesday.
"I've been coming to these events for a couple of years now. And being able to step away from my job and come pet a dog is really a special part of the day. And I recently lost my dog, so it's even more special now," said one hospital worker.
Organized by the Longwood Collective, the once-a-month event is a part of their Outside Placemaking initiative. The group hosts a variety of free events during the summer, including weekly food trucks, their Bands on Blackfan concert series and their infamous Puppies in the Park event.
"We have our dog petting event with Shultz's Guest House. They're a shelter out of Dedham," said Claudia LaFontaine with the Longwood Collective. "They bring their puppies out to play with the staff and anybody who wants to stop by over at Stoneman Park at Brigham and Women's Hospital."
According to the LaFontaine, the program transforms underutilized plazas and walkways into public spaces for people to relax and connect with others.
"We are trying to bring our culture of care outside which is part of our Outside Placemaking program. So, we're really just trying to offer people moments of joy and really just foster a sense of community in Longwood," LaFontaine stated.
Launched in 2019, Outside Placemaking produces events across 11 different locations with 20 hours of live music performances each week, a 400-title Reading Room library, public art and community gatherings.
"I think it's amazing. I come out every time they're here," one attendee said.
The initiative was created in partnership with Boston's Children Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Carl Stevens (@CarlWBZ) reports.