by Anne McWaters and Eve Wittenberg ·
Friday, October 4, 2024
Our town’s need for more playing field space has been discussed and debated over the past years. The Open Space Committee, a group comprising representatives from the Select Board, Agricultural Advisory Commission, Conservation Commission, Harvard Conservation Trust, Parks and Recreation Commission, and School Department, has been diligently and tirelessly combing through options, investigating all possible leads, and considering all parties’ interests in an effort to address this issue. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their work.
We, as representatives of the Parks and Recreation and Conservation commissions, and as colleagues, have been in conversation regarding this issue for more than a year. We understand the needs and concerns of the community, and our respective interests, and, as neighbors in this small town, are mindful of our connections and relationships with each other and the town as a whole. We all have been working in earnest with the utmost of collegiality as we’ve respectfully discussed and debated options that are then taken back to our respective commissions, to other affected parties, and to residents.
At every turn we have attempted to respond to and integrate ideas that contribute to making whatever we eventually settle upon the best possible option for the town. Compromise means everyone gets something and no one gets everything; we have been discussing and considering with this operating principle in mind.
The article in last week’s Press, “School Committee in ‘fact-finding mode’ for potential land swap deal for athletic field,” may not have fully captured the depth and scope of conversations that have occurred between Parks and Rec and ConCom; we are in frequent communication and are seeking the same goal: to meet the town’s needs in the best possible way for the most possible residents, knowing that compromise is always necessary. No ideas have been rejected out of hand; all have been considered thoughtfully and meaningfully and will continue to be, as we, the Open Space Committee, and others move forward on the path to a solution.
Anne McWaters, recreation director
Eve Wittenberg, Conservation Commission chair