Express Your Thoughts at Magnolia Park

Dear Save Arlington Redwood Supporters, We reported the sad news last week that the Conservation Commission voted 4-2 to remove the two dawn redwoods as part of the Magnolia Playground Renovation. Since then some of the supporters have explored filing a law suit to stop the removal. We have also explored civil disobedience options. As we've said from the beginning, we want the renovation project to move forward except for the removal of the mature dawn redwoods. (Notwithstanding some contrary opinion, this group had nothing to do with the delay, which was caused solely by the Recreation Department's complete ignorance of the Conservation Commission's jurisdiction over the playground, which is considered a wetland due to it being in a flood zone.) It is shameful that the Recreation Department, the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Conservation Commission, the Town Manager, and even the Tree Committee were all in favor of removing these trees. Even though numerous emails and phone calls were made to the members of the Board of Selectmen, we are not aware of one single member speaking publicly in favor of saving these trees. We do not know whether there is any other avenue by which these trees could be saved. We do not advocate any illegal action. But we do not have to be bystanders as the trees come down. Several days ago, some of the unknown children around the neighborhood put up posters expressing their feelings. One of us happened to pass by and took the accompanying photo. On Monday morning everyone of these posters was taken down, presumably by the Town of Arlington. Tomorrow we will express our feelings, through pictures and words on posters, and will put them up on the fences surrounding the Magnolia Park. Our children immediately wanted to participate. We encourage all of you to do the same until the very day that these trees come down. Let us continue to express our thoughts and bear witness to this immoral act. -David Loh, Dora Horvath, Vihren Kolev and Rositsa Koleva