The Parks Commission is in the process of making a decision about what to do with Triangle Park, a green-space at the five-way intersection of Woodburn St., Kenmore Pl. and Olive St. At a meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 10, community members got to share their opinions as well.

Over 50 people from the neighborhood met at the park to share what they thought should be done.

“We planned a public meeting, and we sent out a postcard to all the people that are just right here around this park, cause we know they’re the ones who are the stakeholders,” said Jennifer Vulpas, head of the Parks Commission. “And then we made announcements in the managers memo and the different facebook pages.”

Ideas for the future of the triangle included moving or removing the flagpole, additional benches, and the addition of picnic benches. Though there was lots of disagreement, there was a straight consensus that kids should be able to play in the park.

“Just hearing, really casually here … but most people really want their kids to be able to play here.” Vulpas said.

The issue of Triangle Park came before the Parks Commission when a member noticed some overgrown trees being cut down.

“One of the main triggers was the power company [that] came in and cut down a bunch of trees,” said Trustee Michael Maher, Board liaison of the Parks Commission.

After the first issue emerged, more and more issues with the park started to stand out.

“We were losing about half the trees in Triangle Park, and there was a space that was really prime for invasive weeds to grow,” said Kathy Yanoff, member of the Parks Commission. 

Now, the Parks Commission wants to hear from the community. 

Maher noticed at the meeting that though there were a lot of ideas for what should be done, there were also a lot of ideas for what should not be done.

“There’s a lot of interest in better maintenance of the vegetation or improvement of the vegetation,” Maher said. “A few more benches; some improved drainage; some improved plantings. Right now it sounds like people don’t want a lot of physical structures or anything.”

“The Parks Commission wants to keep all the parks as parks, really.” Vulpas said.

In the end, everyone loves and cares for the park, and wants to make the best use of the space. 

“I think we want to preserve this park,” said Yanoff. “I think that this park is very valuable to people who live in this neighborhood, and we want to see it continue to be a great park for families who live nearby.”