I heartily support girls softball (my granddaughter plays the sport) and agree there is a long history of inferior facilities for girls sports. I think that the town should provide appropriate facilities but do not think the open field in front of Hildreth Elementary School is the right site.
The Hildreth Elementary School is one of the most successful (and expensive) building projects we have had. The architect gave great thought to the siting of the building, enhancing its impact with an open field between the building and Mass. Ave., and in a way mirroring the siting of the original Bromfield School, now Harvard Public Library. This area is an important part of our landscape, along with the Bromfield House and library, when entering Harvard and sets the tone for the historic district. I see this space as a second Common, open for all to enjoy—school recess and play area, informal pick up soccer, softball, kite flying, or whatever.
Clearly the siting and layout of the buildings and surrounding spaces were given a lot of thought and carefully planned. I think it would be a mistake to dedicate this open space to one sport. Filling the open space with chain link backstops, fencing, and so on needed for formal play will ruin the site.
The fact that there is over half a million in unexpended funds should not dictate that the funds be used to erase the existing landscape, an amenity of the town that we all paid for.
David Durrant
East Bare Hill Road
