The three things I love the best are family, the town of Arlington and citizen activism. Nearly every column I have written relates to one of them. This week's submission involves all three.

My fondness for Robbins Farm transcends generations. My father, Joe, worked at Robbins Farm when it was a working farm more than 80 years ago. I know Joe had a penchant for exaggeration, but he claimed that he worked loading and driving the produce from the farm down to Massachusetts Avenue and that his only pay was "a plug nickel an hour and all I could eat."

In the 1960s, I spent two summers at the farm when my late sister, Maryanne, was a park instructor there for the Arlington Recreation Department. In the '70s, I spent one summer playing (or watching from the bench) for the farm's Braves baseball team in the old AYA.

Today, Robbins Farm Park is 11 acres of open space on Eastern Avenue across from the rebuilt Brackett School.

In recent years, my wife, Carol, and I have spent countless hours watching the fireworks over Boston, both man-made during holiday festivities; and heavenly sent during asteroid showers. I would imagine that most longtime Arlington families have similar memories through the years.

I'm sure others have driven guests from out of state down Eastern Avenue to show off the magnificent view of Boston's Skyline, the Zakim Bridge or planes landing at Logan Airport.

Since 1998, some dedicated abutters, neighbors, denizens and concerned citizens have been working to develop a comprehensive plan for its redesign to preserve what many consider to be one of Arlington's greatest natural resource.

In an era of shrinking budgets and even less help from the state and/or federal government, this group has not got caught up in the blame-game, but rather has rolled up their sleeves and worked cooperatively with the town to redesign and to help pay for the cost of the effort.

Both Jen Rothenberg and Jack Rogers from the group praise the town's efforts.

"We understand budgetary priorities," said Rogers. "We also appreciate the tremendous support of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Don Vitters and others who have been willing to listen to our concerns and work with us toward a solution. If the town does not have the funds for the job, we are not going to let that stop us from reaching our goal."

Yes, you read that right - they are helping the town to pay for their park. The Friends of Robbins Park has been fund raising to be able to complete the group and the town's goals to protect and preserve the playground.

This week, they sent the town a check for $19,000 to begin purchasing the new equipment - a truly commendable act. Of course they now really need your help more than ever to reach their goal of raising a total of $54,000.

While each should obviously give according to their needs and abilities, one creative suggestion was that because this is the 60th year since the Robbins family donated the park to the town, that a $60 donation could represent one dollar for every year of public use.

If you've been to "the farm" lately, you have seen the decrepit tennis court, the erosion problems and the splintered laden playground equipment. If you haven't, take my word, the restoration, renovation and redesign of Robbins Farm has never been more urgently needed.

The whole plan is well explained on their Web site www.robbinsfarmpark.org where you can also join their working groups and involve yourself and your family in their creative solution.

Take a moment and support this worthy cause and this exceptional organization. Send a check to: The Friends of Robbins Farm Park, 34 Eustis St., Arlington, MA 02476. The town of Arlington, your neighbors, your children and your children's children will thank you.

It's about family. It's about preserving a natural resource. It's about being part of an extraordinary effort. It's about Arlington.

Brian Greeley is a lifelong resident of Arlington. He is a realtor for BOWES/Pennell & Thompson/GMAC Real Estate. He can be reached at 781-645-0515 or by e-mail at bgreel@yahoo.com.