Here's the scoop: the Franklin Park Coalition has been told several times that community gardens were not part of Olmsted's vision. However, there is a glimmer of hope. First of all, we have a gardener in White House, secondly, I've found a historian who says that community gardens were a part of Olmsted's vision, thirdly, there is a historical precedent in the intriguing story of Italian Prisoners of WWII who tended Victory Gardens on the Playsted, fourthly, the FPC is behind us, and fifthly: I'm very stubborn.
Because many groups want to use parts of the park and because of the need for a historical precedent, and for the gardens not to usurp other folks territory, the most likely location would be the Overlook/Playsted ruins.
Let me know if you'd be interested in forming a committee to do things like: sponsor a speaker on the topics described above, write letters & send petitions to the Park Commssion; guerilla gardening (burn this message). Thanks
Daria
Permalink Reply by Ralph on September 24, 2009 at 4:25pm
Schoolboy Stadium, the hospital and the large ape facility do not look like Olmsted designs to me. people have been flexable in the past sometimes for good sometimes for ill!
I am very interested in this, though I dont have much time to commit to help. I regularly walk with a member of the Franklin Park coalition and I mentioned this idea to her this morning. She was actually very excited about the idea! If you think it would help, maybe I could put you in touch with her. Sorry I can't offer more help, but I have plenty of encouragement!
sorry I havent responded sooner. This morning while walking my dog I spoke with two members of the FP Board. One, who has been a member for 6 years, said this idea has never been presented to the board. She did say it may be hard to make happen but did not rule it out as a possibility. She did seem very interested and excited by the idea. She said that the best would be to go through one of the members, Dale (dalerl@comcast.net) and try to present it to the board. Hope that helps!
Thanks. I have been talking to the ED Christine Poff a bit, but as I wrote before, it's been on the back burner. I wouldn't mind talking to a Board Member and I'd like to get a bit more historical information too.
Just letting you all know that this idea hasn't died. The first step will be writing a letter to the Parks Commissioner to ask her permission to have a community garden in Franklin Park. I'd like to do a little bit more research before writing that letter.
If you have an ideas, suggestions, or comments, I'd love to hear them. Thanks.
I thought I'd let you all know that I've dropped this idea...for now. I still think it's a great idea, but in the absence of a very motivated partner in crime...I just don't have the time.....now...
Check out www.bnan.org. The Boston Natural Areas Network manages most of the community gardens in Boston, and you can sign up in early spring to get a plot. There is often a long waiting list, so trying earlier can't hurt. The closest garden that I know of in our area is at the bottom of Montebello, next to the JP Co-housing. They have three pear trees, too!