[DEHC] Parks Budget hearing this Thursday May 8

[Rosanne.Foley at dotwell.org]

from Franklin Park Coalition:

Boston Park Advocates -

City Council Hearing on FY 09 Boston Parks Budget THIS Thursday, May 8th 
at City Hall. 

It is our one opportunity each year to let elected officials know how 
important parks are and show our collective strength as advocates. Without 
strong participation, parks are relegated further down the list of 
priorities for the city budget.

The hearing is scheduled for 10am and 1:00 pm. I assume that there is a 
break for lunch. Usually the Parks Department staff speak first, 
describing their budget, their programs (maintenance, projects, etc) and 
answering questions. This could take most of the morning session. At 1:00 
the general public (us) can sign up to speak. 

Just being in the audience shows support for parks. If you want to speak, 
that's even better. Prepare a statement 2-3 minutes long that includes:

• Your name, your neighborhood and your park.
• The good, the bad and the ugly in your park: what looks great and works 
well for park users, what's needed, and what is downright awful. 
• Advocate for more money for parks, for public safety attention to our 
parks, and for other programs/services you want to have in your park.

If you plan or would like to be there, please send an email reply so we 
know who to expect. I f you can't take a full or half day from work, but 
would like to participate, we'll get more information and can tell you the 
best time to be there. If you have never testified before, send a reply 
email to learn more about what's needed and how to do it. 

Hope to see you Thursday, May 8th at City Hall!

--Christine Poff
Franklin Park Coalition


Don't forget the Mayor's Coffee Hours!

You can talk directly to the Mayor and the Boston Parks Commissioner about 
the need for more money, maintenance, programming, and public safety 
initiatives for Boston parks. Go to one of the Mayor's special playground 
hours 9:30-10:30 am - the following dates and locations:

May 7 - Peters Park, Washington St., South End
May 8 - Mission Hill Playground, Tremont & Smith Sts.
May 9 - Hynes Playground, VFW Parkway, West Roxbury
May 12 - Gertrude Howes Playground, Moreland & Fairland Sts, Roxbury
May 13 - Portsmouth Street Park, Birighton
May 14 - Healy Playground, Washington St. & Firth Rd., Roslindale
May 15 - Martin Playground, Myrtlebank & Hilltop Sts, Dorchester
May 16 - Mozart Street Playground, Centre St, Jamaica Plain

Let them know the biggest problems in your park! 


Rosanne Foley
Dorchester Environmental Health Coalition
DotWell, 1452 Dorchester Avenue, 4th floor 
Dorchester, MA 02122
Tel. (617) 474-1478, Fax. (617) 474-0465
www.scidorchester.net/user/266