To: Commissioner DeRubeis and Members of the Newton, MA Parks & Recreation Commission

Petition in support of an enhanced Cabot School/Cabot Park connection and shared parking and play areas

We, the undersigned residents of Newton, MA, ask for your support of the proposed shared uses of portions of Cabot Park as part of the Cabot School renovation project. We believe that there are significant benefits to the integration of Cabot Park and the Cabot School site, made possible by the closing off of Parkview Avenue and the proposed new parking and turn around areas at the northeast end of the school site.

The safety of residents, particularly our children, is paramount. The Cabot School renovation project site proposal offers more pedestrian-friendly access to both the park and the school. It also provides safe access to green space and a larger play area for students of Cabot while allowing for new and improved access to a play structure for users of the south side of Cabot Park during non-school hours.

Cabot Park and Cabot School are popular destinations, and the addition of shared parking for park users and school staff is a safer alternative to street parking throughout the adjoining neighborhood. We understand that support for the Cabot School renovation project involves some trade-offs. The physical connection of the school and park land and the shared, consolidated parking and new play areas will change the current landscape of the Cabot Park. However, we urge you to support the proposal as it offers the right balance between safety and preservation and will likely result an enhanced Cabot Park that is more inviting and well utilized.

Thank you!