Pulling Out All The Stops
Equitable Community Engagement
CHERI RUANE , ASLA
many amenities . Oh , and it happens to be contaminated , thanks to the former unsavory practices of an upgradient neighbor .
Mary Dennison Park is within an “ environmental justice ” target neighborhood in Framingham , MA . The phrase environmental justice which emerged as a concept in the United States in the early 1980s , includes the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race , color , national origin , or income with respect to the development , implementation , and enforcement of environmental laws , regulations , and policies . The term sprang from a Warren County , NC , protest to draw attention to the exploitation of communities with limited resources ( namely free time and money ) as it relates to the disposition of their built environment . For many years , these neighborhoods were used as an actual dumping ground for contaminants , industrial discharge , and “ undesirable ” land uses . Through environmental justice efforts these practices are being stopped and equity is being introduced to places where the population does not have the resources or access to due process to fight for fair treatment .
Mary Dennison Park represents one of the few open spaces within the south side of Framingham and serves as neighborhood park , playground , backyard , picnic spot , basketball court , and organized softball venue . In character it is flat and dry , and without
The Town has been negotiating with the responsible paper manufacturer for years to mitigate all environmental impacts . Through this process the Town has also decided to embark in the development of a master plan to redesign the park . What an opportunity ! But how do we reach out to this population of people who have limited resources , often work multiple jobs , do not have the luxury of child care , and many of whom do not speak English ? It ’ s complicated .
While most park planning and design happens with the responsible municipal department , the supporting cast is limited to planners and designers . In this case the Director of Parks and Recreation pulled from both sides of his department to offer not only design expertise but also programming expertise for a truly accessible event of engagement and outreach .
Held on a ( thankfully beautiful ) Saturday in May , the Parks and Recreation Department of Framingham truly pulled out all the stops . With over 100 attendees of all ages , the turnout was triple the typical public engagement meeting . They commissioned a play facilitation company to bring games and staff for a full range of activities . A large tent with folding chairs , a public announcement system and easels was erected to support the formal design presentation . Interpreters who spoke three different languages ( Spanish , Portuguese and Haitian Creole ) were present , warm , and welcoming to all visitors . Pizza and bottled water were distributed at the end of the meeting for all attendees .
106 BSLA