Pariseau Field in Pawtucket has been temporarily closed due to safety concerns following environmental contamination. The city fenced off the park in 2022 after hazardous materials were found in the soil. Officials have proposed selling 60% of the park to developer JK Equities to build a parking lot for a nearby distribution center, arguing that the plan will create jobs and fund park improvements.
However, the proposal has faced strong opposition from residents and environmental advocates. Who says that it constitutes ecological injustice, as Woodlawn is a low-income, predominantly minority community. Critics also point out legal hurdles, including state laws restricting the sale of gifted land and federal regulations requiring National Park Service approval.
Protests, petitions, and legal challenges continue as community members push to restore and reopen the park. The debate highlights broader concerns about environmental justice, urban development, and public access to green spaces.
Background and Closure
In the spring of 2022, city officials fenced off Pariseau Field after environmental testing revealed hazardous materials in the soil. Planning Director Bianca Policastro emphasized that the closure was necessary to “protect the public from hazardous materials.” The park, established in 1976 through a land gift from the Narragansett Wire Co., has long served as the sole recreational area for the predominantly low-income and BIPOC residents of Woodlawn.
Proposed Sale and Development
The city’s proposal to sell approximately 60% of Pariseau Field to New York-based developer JK Equities has intensified the controversy. The developer plans to convert the acquired land into a parking lot for a forthcoming distribution center on the former Microfibres Inc. Factory site adjacent to the park. Mayor Don Grebien supports the sale, asserting. It will facilitate the creation of 450 new jobs and enable the city to revitalize the remaining portion of the park, including features such as a large open lawn area. Pollinator garden, and community event space. Additionally, the city has acquired nearly 14 acres of riverfront public greenspace on Pleasant Street, approximately one mile from Pariseau Field, to compensate for the loss.
Community Opposition and Environmental Justice Concerns
The proposed sale has met with substantial opposition from community members, environmental groups, and local officials who argue that the plan constitutes environmental injustice. Critics highlight that Woodlawn is approximately 74% people of color, with 59% of residents living at or below the poverty line. They contend that removing the only accessible green space in such a community exacerbates existing disparities. State Representative Jennifer Stewart, representing the Woodlawn area, has been vocal in her opposition, stating, The park should be reopened, refurbished, and should be done maintaining the entire footprint.
Environmental advocates also raise concerns about the ecological impact of replacing green space with pavement. Jed Thorp, director of advocacy at Save The Bay, emphasized that such actions contribute to stormwater pollution in Narragansett Bay, as green spaces play a crucial role in absorbing rainfall and reducing runoff.
Legal Challenges
The sale of Pariseau Field faces legal hurdles due to a state law prohibiting municipalities from selling land received as a gift. City Solicitor Frank Milos acknowledged that the law complicates the sale and suggested. The city would need to seek enabling legislation from the state or pursue legal action to proceed. Additionally, because federal funds were used to develop the park, any conversion of its use requires approval from the National Park Service. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has declined to recommend the conversion, citing environmental justice concerns.
Community Advocacy and Future Prospects
In response to the proposed sale, over 70 individuals gathered outside Pawtucket City Hall to protest. Advocating for the restoration and reopening of Pariseau Field. A petition demanding the park’s preservation has garnered over 600 signatures. Speakers at the rally underscored the park’s importance as a community hub. The only accessible green space for many residents. They also criticized the city’s plan to replace the park with a facility that could increase pollution and traffic in the neighborhood.
As the debate continues, the future of Pariseau Field remains uncertain. The situation underscores broader issues of environmental justice, community engagement. the challenges of balancing economic development with the preservation of essential public spaces. Residents and advocates remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring that any decisions made reflect the needs and desires of the Woodlawn community.
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Conclusion
The temporary closure of Pariseau Field and the city’s proposal to sell part of it for development have sparked a heated debate between officials and community members. While city leaders argue that the sale would create jobs and fund park improvements, opponents stress the loss of vital green space in a historically underserved neighborhood. Legal hurdles, environmental concerns, and strong community opposition complicate the project’s future. As protests and legal challenges continue, the fate of Pariseau Field remains uncertain. The situation highlights broader issues of environmental justice, public land use, and the balance between economic development and community needs. The outcome will determine not only the future of this park but also set a precedent for how cities handle public spaces in marginalized communities.
Reference: abc6.com