2/26/2012 Attn: Joe Connelly Department of Recreation 422 Summer Street Arlington, MA 02474 Dear Mr. Connelly, RE: MAGNOLIA PARK USAGE I am writing on behalf of a group of Arlington community members who are concerned about the upcoming changes that will take place in Magnolia Park by April 2012 (in addition to other Arlington parks). As you are undoubtedly aware, Magnolia Park is a very popular community-oriented park which is used by many young families in the area. We feel that the proposed changes to remove all donated toys will greatly impact and hurt the enjoyable atmosphere and usability of the park, particularly for children under 3 years old. Without the addition of portable toys, much of the equipment is suited to older children and there is a lot of empty sand-filled area that appears uninviting and unusable. Please be aware that we understand and respect the Arlington Recreation Department’s duty to keep the park safe and to minimize liability issues. However, we are also asking that you consider the following requests so that a possible compromise may be reached to satisfy all parties involved: 1. While we understand the need to remove large items such as slides and see-saws, we ask that toys of a smaller nature such as buckets, trucks and small ride-on toys remain in the park. These are especially enjoyed by children playing in the sand. 2. A chance to discuss with you whether it would help if we were more systematic about toys (e.g. regularly scheduled clean-up days, guidelines for drop-off, signage against further donations, more frequent disposal of broken toys, limiting the amount of toys, more structured communication with ARD, etc). 3. The addition of a possible shed/storage container for toy storage to minimize unsightliness of the toys when they are not being used (if that is a complaint from neighbors). 4. The ability to offer input and suggestions about upgrades and additions to the park (within a reasonable budget). At this time, you may contact me directly on behalf of the group regarding this letter, or (if it is more convenient for you), to let us know when the next bimonthly meeting will be held in which we can be present to represent our concerns. We appreciate your time and consideration in this matter, Sincerely, Roslyn Fitzgerald (and others). Telephone: 617 460 9572 (cell) Email: beanaway@yahoo.com.au