Pope John Paul II Park: As seen from the Neponset River.Bill Forry photo

To the Editor:

I respectfully disagree with Judge James Dolan’s remarks concerning Pope John Paul II Park (“A picture of neglect,” Reporter, May 28). The present conditions at Pope John Paul II Park are a reflection of the natural state of the riverfront/estuary ecosystem, modified to allow limited recreational use. The site is within the Neponset Estuary Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC), designated in 1995, after substantial public input and review. This designation restricts the nature and intensity of activities permitted, in order to protect the ecosystem and wildlife habitat (M.G.L. c. 21A, 301 C.M.R. 12). In addition, the remediation of the Hallet Street landfill was completed using methods restricting future uses and allowed excavation. This precludes tree planting in much of the park, because the landfill cap may not be randomly pierced, in order to protect users from exposure to materials remaining underground onsite.

The article unjustifiably attacks DCR, and supports modification to the site which are both impractical and inappropriate. DCR does in fact have a plan for selective mowing throughout the growing season, in order to support the natural riverfront ecology.

The Neponset Estuary is an important environment which must be protected. There are only a few areas around the Neponset that still have the marshes and natural wild lands that are meant to be there and support ocean, river and land ecosystems and wildlife habitats. The term “passive park” is often used in a pejorative manner, but the real beauty and success of PJPII lies in the fact that it represents a rare space within the City of Boston where nature is permitted to run its own course. Certainly the people of Dorchester deserve such a place.

There are already many activities going on in the park. There is a soccer league, a playground, walking and bike trials and activities sponsored by the DCR, such as Canoe Trips, Movie Night, The Pumpkin Float, Easter Egg Hunts, Kite Making, Art Classes and more. Extra maintenance crews that work in the summer have not started yet.

Natural wildflowers have not bloomed yet. The DCR is investing millions of dollars in Dorchester on the completion of the Neponset Greenway Walking and Bike Trail that runs through the park and the clean-up and completion of Port Norfolk Park, a continuation of PPJII Park. Notice the C in DCR, it stands for Conservation, the priority in these parks.

The Neponset River Watershed Association, The Boston Natural Area Networks, BNAN, and the Neponset Greenway Council have done work with volunteers to improve Pope John Paul II Park such as co-sponsoring activities with the DCR, tree, flower and blueberry bush plantings, and clean-up days. The BNAN is now a part of the Trustees of Reservations. Perhaps they will direct some of their resources and experience to help maintain the park. More volunteers to help maintain the park as an ACEC would be wonderful.

I agree with Judge Dolan that some improvements could be made. The original plan for PJP included a community room and comfort station at the main entrance, near the car wash, where the porta potties are now stationed. The issue as usual was lack of appropriations, due to lack of funds. Perhaps that could become the focus of a collective effort to raise fund privately, as has been done by the Esplanade Association, and provide a structure which would serve both the Park and the bike path.

PPJ Park was never meant to be a garden or an intensive recreation area. In fact, work has been done to help areas of the park return to their original state, which as stated by Judge Dolan is beautiful. It must remain a natural environment. We are part of a city. Adults need areas of peace and rest. Our children need areas to interact with nature. Saint Pope John Paul II prayed for peace and the environment. I think he is smiling down on Pope John Paul II Park.

– Maria Lyons
Science Teacher
Environmental Chairperson,
Port Norfolk Civic Association
Member - Neponset Greenway Council,
Neponset Watershed Association