Growing a Parks Network - Its a Beautiful Thing

Twenty organizations, including several that represent coalitions of organizations, got together last week on December 3, 2009 for a Strategy Meeting. We discussed how we can work together to improve our parks in Boston, including both those in the city park system and the state park system, that together, are OUR PARK SYSTEM. A number of good ideas came out around the at-large city council debate on parks and open spaces that we organized in October, and at the meeting we added to them. Then we refined the list, voted on priorities, and discussed the first several in greater detail. We also discussed the looming budget crisis at the Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information, go to www.bostonparks.org and follow the link to “Strategy Session December 2009.”

The issues and solutions discussed in greater detail are:
1) Permitting for fields and special events
a. Need transparency: park calendars showing permitted use and available fields
b. Need a more up-to-date, online permit application system.

2) Maintenance
a. Need clear standards and more skilled park maintenance staff
b. Need greater coordination & communication between park agency and volunteers
c. Need transparency around park maintenance schedules and procedures

Budget & Funding: The DCR budget crisis is dire - check out the meeting handout for details.

Decisions Made:
• Email discussion groups to work for improvements.
• BPA Quarterly Meetings.