Urban Farm

[Terry Freeman]

Although I can't attend tonight's meeting, I want to add a question/concern for discussion. I am a daily walker in the Quinnipiac River Park, going all the way to the end near Brewery Square. I've also been a community gardener for many years, and believe in the importance of urban gardening.  My question is, how will we include the needs of neighborhood children, youth, and adults who use that end of the park for impromptu football games, baseball games, picnics, and dog-walking? It has been used as a safe, friendly place for years...people of all ages smile and greet each other as they enjoy being outdoors, especially on summer days and weekends.

I've been very happy to see children (often with adults) enjoying healthy outdoor play in this area on a regular basis during warm weather, and would hate to see them lose the open space. A place for family picnics is another healthy thing for the neighborhood, as people cool off near the river in hot weather.  I suspect that people who use this park live nearby. in the Chapel Street/Ferry  area, and may not know about this meeting or about the CSA.

Let's not move ahead on a big plan without involving the people who live nearby and use this area constructively and to their benefit. I also urge that a large open space be left for sports and free play (frisbee, kites, bikes, etc. as it is now) so that Fair Haven young people can get the exercise they need and deserve. The sloping, narrow, long part of the park along Front Street is not as suitable for sports and games, as balls go into the street and the river.

[Voytec Wacowski]

HERE is the New Haven Register article following the meeting

Nonprofit planting the seed for community garden in Fair Haven (video)

http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2012/01/19/news/new_haven/doc4f1...