To Mayor Sisitsky and our City Council,

Currently, there are four Parks & Rec Commissioners from the North Side of Framingham and they have a long track record of not having the south side residents in mind when voting.  The Framingham Parks & Rec Commission needs a shake up.

Mayor Sisitsky and City Council need to do their jobs, diversify and shake up this commission. A good Commissioner should seek equity for all Framingham residents.  This includes equity in access to and use and building of parks and recreation. They should also hold Parks & Recreation accountable and expect full transparency and openness with the commission and all of the public.

During the May 11, 2022, Parks & Rec Commission meeting member Shannon Stevens made a motion to open the gates at Waushakum Beach. Waushakum is the only beach in the city regularly secured by a 6 foot fence and padlocks. Waushakum Beach is the only public waterfront facility serving the south side. The motion by Stevens was for a single day, when temps were expected to soar to nearly 100 degrees, in the most ethnically diverse, socioeconomically disadvantaged part of the city. In May, a heat wave like this – would hurt this area more than others, as central air – isn’t commonplace, and window air-conditioners aren’t typically installed yet. A place to be outside, wade in water, cool off – is a public health need. No other commissioners supported that motion. No other commissioners represent the south side.

Three commissioners have terms which ended on July 1. One is assumed to be not reapplying, while two others David Gudejko and Tony Tolson – are expected to reapply and be appointed, unless the south side residents demand change. There are three south side residents who have applied to sit on the commission and represent the people of South Side Framingham. Liz Kaprielian, Bill Lynch, and Ashley Ramos have all applied for the positions. All of these candidates are more passionate and are better qualified for the role.

We implore Mayor Sisitsky and City Council to select the better and more diverse, passionate and representative candidates for the Parks & Rec Commission.

#SouthSideMatters