At the September SPA general meeting, I raised my hand to be co-chair for the Park Maintenance committee of the SPA. Parks maintenance, I think, primarily means the areas in the neighborhood known as “the Commons.” Our prior chair for this committee was stepping down and President Afan Bapacker urged a new volunteer to step forward. I thought, I can do that. So, I raised my hand.
A few weeks in, I have new insight into this committee assignment. I tell myself that I should have known better.
However, we have already gotten some things done. With the help of an anonymous partner, we cleared the frequently used walkway between Ashby and Adams. A large limb in the Commons area between Middlebury and Windham has been taken down – a herculean effort! A resident whose home abuts this Commons has generously offered to pay to have the residue hauled away, in addition to having another unsafe tree taken down. This afternoon, I worked in the Commons between Brewster and Adams to rake up some assorted debris that had likely been accumulating for quite some time.
I have lived in many states and cities – mostly urban areas, but some rural areas too. In all of those places, I have never lived anywhere with spaces such as what we call “the Commons.” I have come to understand this kind of neighborhood design as being very unique. While many of our homes are not adjacent to a Commons area, the Commons are available to us all via their walkway entries. In my surveys, I have discovered that a couple of Common areas are astonishingly beautiful and well-cared for. One, in particular, invites us to spread a blanket and enjoy a picnic lunch.
But, all of our Common areas require care and attention. The first homes in this neighborhood date back to 1939. That’s over eighty years ago! Think of it – many with historic redbrick exteriors, hardwood floors, real plaster walls, one car garages (yes, that’s how it was back in the 40s, 50s and 60s) and are still beautiful today. Neighborhoods age, but as they do they should be appreciated more – for their beauty, for their uniqueness and for their historic design. And, let’s never forget, for the closeness of our neighbors.
Generally, it has always been a held belief that the Common areas should be cared for by the homeowners whose homes are on a Commons. Over the years, as people and families have become busier and busier, this value has been forgotten or placed on the back burner. Not in all areas, but in some. Grass clippings have been dumped, broken tree branches discarded, piles of logs that no one knows what to do with are propped up against trees and hidden in bushes . In a couple of instances – to me the most egregious – our lawn services people have even used the Commons as their dumping grounds. We all need to be mindful of these things. Remember, for those of us lucky enough to have our yards back up to a Common area, you enjoy extra privacy, extra quiet and extra beauty as they are a visual extension of your backyard.
One or two or even ten volunteers cannot be solely responsible for the care for our Common areas. It takes all of us. To the extent that a homeowner cannot handle a particular issue – say, for example, a large fallen limb – this costs money. Money that the SPA does not have. To this end, I recommend and encourage all of our residents to do the following:
1. Pay your $35 annual association dues
2. If you can, make an extra donation for the tree fund (or whatever else is important to you)
3. Do not throw your yard waste into the Commons behind your house or a neighbor’s house.
4. Do not allow your lawn service to throw their waste into the Commons
5. Clean your area of the Commons behind your house. It’s easy. You’ll need gloves, a rake and some tall yard waste bags or a yard waste container. Take a sunny morning and enjoy listening to the birds sing as you rake. Put the yard waste bags or bins at your curbside on Sunday evening. Do this 2 to 3 times a year. That’s all it takes.
6. Let us know when there is an issue that is too big for you to handle. We may be able to help. We need to remember that nothing gets done without money and this is what makes some, but not all, of the big things challenging.
The 6 points above make the cake. I haven’t written this to preach to the choir. I already know that this particular choir has many ardent supporters. What I have written is not meant for only those who care about the Commons. It is meant for everyone. This is the icing on the cake.
I didn’t volunteer for this position blindly. I knew it came with a lot of baggage, most of which cannot be fixed. In the first two weeks I was already regretting it and nearly resigned. But I didn’t want to disappoint President Bapacker so quickly. One of the things about being a volunteer is that I can design my role. You may see me out in the Commons behind your house. I’m just raking, picking up twigs, sticks and the like. Nothing earth shattering. Come out and join me. I’ll be happy to meet you and chat with you as we rake. The Common areas did not get shabby overnight and they won’t be tidied up overnight either. Many hands make light work.
Although I would dearly love it if I did, I don’t live on a Commons. So, help us help you.
Thank you for reading,
Cathy Carroll
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