Due to an overwhelming number of visitors to
the Center Street corridor in past years, South Center Street in the Town ofAshland will be closed to vehicular traffic from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on
Halloween night. This closure will be from Stebbins Street south to FrancisStreet. Both the Francis Street railroad crossing and Myrtle Street railroad
crossing will be open to all traffic.
In past years, many of our homes on this streethave seen over 600 children trick or treating. Coupled with a high volume of
motor vehicle traffic and the ever-existing train traffic, a significant publicsafety hazard was presented. It is hoped that this road closure will greatly
improve the safety of this corridor while we have so many young visitors goingdoor to door.
The Historic District Neighborhood Watch is
providing volunteers for this effort to serve as ambassadors to the area and toensure the safety of all visitors. As has been in the past, the Ashland Police
Department will also have a presence in this area as well as all otherresidential areas in town.
APD would also like to remind residents of the
following tips for safe “trick or treating”:
- A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
- If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
- Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
- Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or Treaters remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
- If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
- Never cut across yards or use alleys.
- Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
- Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
- Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
- When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
- Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will.