[Summit] The Fountain, the Trees

[Hope for Health]

I've been too busy to be involved with this,
but my feelings are with Tom.  Trees are
precious, as is shade - especially to one,
like myself, who is very sun and heat-sensitive.

Also, "grass", these days is little more than
a toxic green rug, not merely all the same 
and boring, but laced with toxic pesiticdes.

I'm sorry to hear what they are doing to the park.

Blessings,

Liberty G

--- On Wed, 6/23/10, Thomas A. Schmeling <TSchmeling at ric.edu> wrote:

From: Thomas A. Schmeling <TSchmeling at ric.edu>
Subject: Re: [Summit] The Fountain, the Trees
To: "Coryndon Luxmoore" <coryndon at luxmoore.com>
Cc: "summit at sna.providence.ri.us Neighborhood" <summit at sna.providence.ri.us>
Date: Wednesday, June 23, 2010, 10:37 PM

Coryndon,
Thanks for the response.
I am sure that the construction requires some destruction, and I don't object to that. But can you assert that all these removals are really required for construction?  Given the scope of what's cut and marked for cutting, I would find that very hard to believe. 
It sounds like the extent of the destruction is really an aesthetic choice based on restoring the "original intent" of the park's designers.  If so, I just don't think it's worth the cost in greenery. Of course, my opinion is just one, but I may not be alone.
The fountain is elegant.  So are the trees, and they do as much or more to make the park a cool and pleasant place in the summer than the fountain will.  
I very much regret not being able to attend the meeting earlier this month. But, as I said earlier, nothing I heard from attendees suggested to me the extent of the removal.  Perhaps my reservations are "too little, too late" but after what I saw today I feel compelled to speak out.  Here's a question, to you or anyone who might know....I had heard that there was supposed to be some signage or other public posting in the park announcing this work before it was begun.  Was I misinformed?  If not, was this done? Since I am in the park every day, I doubt I missed it.
best,Tom
Thomas A. Schmeling
Associate Professor and Chair
Political Science- Rhode Island College
(401) 456-8056


On Jun 23, 2010, at 9:53 PM, Coryndon Luxmoore wrote:
Tom,I appreciate your concern. However I disagree with your assertion that it will be a barren plain. Based on the plans we will have grass to sit in as well as a elegant fountain to look at and that is unique to the neighborhood and city. Lippet park was designed to be a more formal space and it abuts a heavily shaded walking path with a well maintained tree canopy thanks to friends of blackstone park and the city.
Any construction requires some demolition and while painful remains a better alternative than an aging abandoned fountain in the middle of the park.
--C
 --------------------------------------------Coryndon LuxmooreInteraction Designer
coryndon (at) luxmoore (dot) com---------------------------------------------  
On Jun 23, 2010, at 6:05 PM, Thomas A. Schmeling wrote:
Dear all,
I have just been to the park and watched the crews start taking down trees.  I am appalled at the number that are marked for destruction.  
While I have supported, and been actively involved in, the fountain restoration, I would not have done so if I had known that this lovely shaded area will be turned into a barren plain.
I encourage you to visit the park ASAP.  See what has been done and look at the number of trees that have been marked for removal.  If you agree with me, I encourage you to follow my lead and call Bob McMahon (401) 785-9450 and Mayor Cicillini (421-2489 or http://www3.providenceri.com/contact_mayor.php) to ask them to stop.  Do not wait.  They are still working at 6pm and I don't suspect it will take more than a day or two to finish the job.
Tom
 Thomas A. Schmeling
Associate Professor and Chair
Political Science- Rhode Island College
(401) 456-8056  
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