Smiles harvested at Robbins Playground opening

By Betsy Lawson / CORRESPONDENT
Thursday, September 18, 2003

While the weather gods may have wrecked havoc on construction deadlines all spring, morning showers gave way to clear skies Sunday afternoon as 500-plus people attended the grand opening of Robbins Farm Playground.

The Friends of Robbins Farm Park, the Arlington Park and Recreation Commission and the town of Arlington officially rededicated the site, formerly known as Skyline Park, with a ceremony outside the Brackett School.

Leaders thanked all those who supported the four-year effort, but were wise to keep their remarks brief as many in the crowd were waist-high and eager to try out the shiny new equipment. Once the ribbon was cut and the group ushered into the previously fenced-off area, every new swing, jungle gym and see-saw was a scene of delight and good cheer.

"It's so fast," said 4-year-old Raavi Malik after a trip down the park's most memorable feature -the big slide - and into the arms of her mother, Toni Passano.

Passano, who lives within walking distance of the park, said it's a favorite destination for her two kids.

"My son, Omar, is seven and when we all come here, everyone is entertained, including the adults," Passano said.

Arlington resident Doug Rosner agreed. He and his wife, Erin, often bring their three children ages 7, 5, and 2 to the park precisely because there's something for all ages to enjoy.

That's exactly the thinking that went into the design, according to FORFP board member Jack Rogers, who emceed the day's event.

"We tried not to replicate what was already across the street at the Brackett," Rogers said.

Instead, the needs of much younger children were taken into account and separate play areas made for older children and sitting areas for adults.

"We've tried to combine the physical, athletic and creative aspects of children's play," Rogers said, while also striving to maximize the breathtaking view of the Boston skyline.

Oakes Plimpton, founder and historian of FORFP, said he was immediately taken with the park's beauty and openness when he moved to the neighborhood some 15 years ago. Around that time, Friends of Menotomy Rocks Park was forming and Plimpton wanted to see a similar group organized for the upkeep of Robbins Farm - so named because it was once the working farm of Nathan Robbins. The farm was famous for its corn and plentiful output of asparagus and carrots.

Plimpton said the community effort really took off when area parents of young children got involved, most notably Jen Rothenberg. The audience clapped appreciatively as Rothenberg was formally recognized for her leadership throughout the multi-phase project, which included replacing existing playground equipment, resurfacing the playground, reconstructing the big slide and its stairs, controlling erosion, installing a fence along Eastern Avenue, removing the tennis courts, and adding an overlook area with seating.

Rothenberg, in turn, thanked the some 200 volunteers who installed the playground equipment one rainy and cold weekend in April. Rothenberg credited the success of the "community-building event" to coordinators Kim Cayer, Liza Gleason, Christian Klein and Gordon Jamieson.

Rothenberg also thanked FORFP members: Rogers, Susan Bernhard, Frank Days, Sharon Days, Judy Leich, Roly Chaput, and Corinna Vanderspek for their ongoing support. Neighborhood volunteers Carole Kasper, Jim Miller, and Bud and Sandy Carmichael, were also recognized for their hard work.

Rothenberg credited Leslie Oulette for spearheading the fund-raising effort among Arlington residents and area businesses. Special recognition was given to Cambridge Savings Bank, RCN, Nstar and Keyspan for their generous support.

In total, the group raised $49,000 for the purchase of play structures, benches, tables and an entry kiosk. The town of Arlington allocated an additional $473,000 to the project over two budget cycles. The neighborhood groups' efforts were recognized by Town Meeting in June with a special proclamation for saving the town an estimated $100,000.

Selectman Jack Hurd attended the festivities and thanked the group for its contributions and for hosting such popular events as the summer movies nights and Fourth of July celebration.

Though the playground is now open, construction fencing will remain in place throughout the renovation area until grass is established.

"We've seen a lot of people - with kids in strollers - ducking under the fences and playing in areas that are still not completed. This is bad for the park and dangerous for children," said Rothenberg.

"We wanted to be open in June, but the weather was against us. We're almost there, but we do ask for continued patience as we finish up the final details," she said.