~ Letter-to-the-Editor ~

Save Stocker Park?

To the Editor:

In trying to learn as much as I could about the Dog Park Proposal, I ‘visited’ the Save Stocker Park Facebook page with the following introduction:

By joining this group, you are affirming your opposition to the proposed Stocker Dog Park. Our mission is to preserve the Stocker Playground as a space dedicated to youth recreation and to ensure that community voices are heard.

The “No Dog Park” activists state that their mission is to preserve Stocker Playground.

On February 28, 2024, leading the “No Dog Park” campaign, Town Meeting Member Mark Sacco stated, “Together we can protect and preserve these cherished spaces for future generations.”

On April 28, 2024, abutter at 12 Stockade Street, and administer of the Save Stocker Park, Ms. Sharon Floramo posted the following:

COUNTDOWN is here everyone!!! You are invited to join us on Monday, 4/29/24 at 6 PM at Saugus Town Hall Auditorium Forum in Support to Protect Stocker Park. We call on you in support of Frederick Stocker Park, a historical gem, to stay as a children’s playground and haven for wildlife enthusiasts. A show of numbers will be widely appreciated. Share with family and friends. Let Us Go!! See you there!!

On November 21, 2024, the following statement appeared on Save Stocker Park: Let us continue to preserve the Stocker family historic value and keep Stocker Playground and Field as it is in 2025. (In other words, keep it neglected, unsafe and vacant).

In a recent Lynn Item article, the reporter wrote, ‘The Stocker Park Facebook group continues to post photos and information about the park and its wildlife. They hope to keep the land as is.’

Both ardent residents are stating the same thing – keep Stocker Playground the way it is.

My question is how are they planning to protect and preserve this ‘cherished’ space should the present plan be denied?

The wish of the late Frederick Stocker was to provide a playground for the town but should the Conservation Commission deny the plans before them, Mr. Stocker’s gift will never be realized.

Janice K. Jarosz

Saugus, MA