To the editor:
Located in Wellesley, Mass., Centennial Park is a sight to behold. It is a serene environment, where people hike, run, and walk their dogs in tandem. The 87-acre park has a thriving ecosystem of animals, between woodland, grassland, and Bezanson Pond. However, 40 of these acres are owned by MassBay Community College, and designated by the State of Massachusetts as surplus land, putting them in danger of being bulldozed to build affordable housing. We need to fight against this development of Centennial and protect our natural spaces from urban development.
Centennial Park is an important space for many Wellesley residents. These natural spaces are where kids learn to explore the outdoors, where older adults can walk to stay fit, where moms can catch up while walking their dogs, and more. It isn’t fair to take away part of Centennial, especially since trails go through both the Wellesley owned part and the MassBay part. As a kid, exploring the outdoors is a major part of growing up, and even as an adult, spending time outdoors in natural spaces could be relaxing and beneficial. Everyone should have access to these natural spaces and it’s unfair to take away Centennial for our generation, previous generations, and our progeny.
Home to a diverse ecosystem, Centennial Park must be conserved for the sake of its animals. Centennial park has numerous natural habitats, from the woodlands and forests, to the fields and meadows, to aquatic environments like Bezanson Pond. The woodlands compromise 90% of the park, including Northern Red Oak, Hickory, and other pine species. The area is a sanctuary for white tailed deer, coyotes, turkeys, raccoons, squirrels, muskrats, and many more. Birdwatchers typically spot songbirds, while great blue herons are prevalent near the water. The ecosystem of Centennial Park is too valuable for us to see it destroyed, we need to protect the park and advocate on behalf of animals.
Concerns of traffic issues are to be noted with this impending development of these 40 acres of forest and 5-acre parking lot. With upwards of 180 homes planned for construction, traffic concerns are raised. Where do we put another 180 cars? With building on the parking lot, we eliminate a key way to manage this influx of people and their cars. Additionally, this parking lot is used by MassBay students every day. Around 500 students park on the MassBay campus, and the parking lot people are so eager to destroy is used by around 135 students. Where will all these students park? Where will the owners of these new homes park? Clearly this development has not been fully thought through, and shouldn’t be carried out, as the costs drastically outweigh any benefits.
As we discuss the pros and cons of this development, we need to take a step back and ask the key question: Is this new housing needed? Wellesley is already committed to advancing affordable housing and has made exceptional progress getting out of a deep housing crisis. The Town is working with the Commonwealth on building affordable housing and has built around 550 multi-family homes in recent years. Wellesley already exceeds the State’s 40B affordable housing requirement and is compliant under the MBTA Communities Act. So as our town continues to debate this development, we should take a step back and consider if we really need this new housing and what we are willing to sacrifice for it.
Deforestation is already a problem in Massachusetts. We lost 50% of tree cover between the years 2001 and 2024. Annually, we lose around 5,000 acres of natural forest per year. So, statewide, we need to protect our forests and natural spaces from deforestation. And it starts now. So Wellesley residents, let’s fight for Centennial Park. Fight for your childhood, growing up outdoors, playing in the woods. Fight for the animals, who inhabit this park and rely on it to live. Most importantly, fight for our environment, because if we don’t take action now there will be nothing left for our generation. People of Wellesley, I encourage you to speak up against this development, in any way shape or form. It could be as simple as voicing support for the cause or telling a neighbor about the situation. It could also be emailing a government member or voicing opinions in meetings. No matter what you do, remember that your voice counts, so use it well.
Thank you!
Camila Cortes, 8th grader at WMS
