North End resident John Modzelewski recently submitted a letter to Parks Commissioner Christopher Cook urging a reconsideration of the decision to use artificial turf at the soon-to-be-renovated Puopolo Park on Commercial Street. Read the letter in its entirety below. Click to enlarge.
Read an earlier letter by Modzelewski to the project manager, as well as a letter from Commissioner Cook last fall.
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I agree it is disappointing that we are replacing grass with turf. The one upside is that it may discourage dog owners from using the field as a dog park. And, hopefully, encourage them to take advantage of the Gassy dog park.
I agree with Mr. Modzelweski, and I wish grass was an option or Parks & Recreations could come up with a natural option for the reasons noted in his letter. Although I do consider the wear and tear of athletic activities and I hope Parks and Recreation has done due diligence to assess all natural options, otherwise it runs counterproductive to all the other messaging the city promotes around protecting our environment.
Also, I agree with Mr. Modzelweski’s concern about the lack of green space, vegetation, in the interior of the North End. Trees along Hanover Street never replaced, Copps Hill Terrace is a concrete wasteland (that would be a great option for vegetation, see Greenough Lane as an example, although that could use a little TLC, too), opportunities for more trees, bushes in Gassy Playground for sure, North Square rehab underway looks to include some vegetation, I hope that remains. Prado rehab near completion, thankfully trees remain.
Thank you for posting this letter.