[Editor’s note: The author is a neighbor who attended the November 20 meeting. Readers are invited to share their thoughts either in the comments below or by emailing us at Wallyhood about submitting their own article.]
There was a strong turnout at last week’s hearing on the future of Wallingford playfield. Both sides spoke well; the problem was no one was listening. Side A’s supporters burst in to wild applause while Side B sat arms folded in stony silence. When Side B spoke, the favor was returned.
A missed opportunity for sure but not surprising given the “don’t give an inch” ethos so many of us have adopted since the dispiriting national elections. But we can’t stay there. We are all still going to be home/work/school neighbors when this is all over—neighbors who will need each other as the rapidly approaching issues resulting from greater density roll our way.
But more immediately, absent a unified community response the District and the Parks will point to whatever testimony they choose to justify doing whatever they want. Remember: the levy gave them the funds and the funds are burning a hole in their pocket. Maybe your side (A or B) will win but what the enormous turnout to the Hamilton Commons suggested is the issue is too important to leave to a coin flip.
So let’s talk to each other. Empathy has been in short supply lately but it’s the only game in town.
There is general consensus the play area needs to remain untouched. We all want access for preschoolers. A track around the perimeter? A better picnic area? Of course.
The problem that has torn us asunder is the playfield itself. It’s a mess the parks department has tried twice in the past decade to fix with better drainage. The schools and their supporters want a turf field. The Save the Park contingent is leery—is more than leery—that a new field will take a neighborhood resource and turn it into a regional rental. Other issues that have been enumerated before in this blog also need discussion. All of them can be negotiated successfully.
But only if we look together for common ground.