Community Corner
ABOUT TOWN: After Townwide Cleanup Vandals Deface Stoughton Park
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THE ACTIONS OF A FEW SPOIL IT FOR THE REST: Halloran Park at the corner of Pierce and Leach Streets is a jewel in Stoughton. It has a "track" that has families walking in strollers, dog walkers (who can get a complimentary bag for cleanups there), joggers, and other assorted adults - young and old - who utilize the park every day.
A few times a year, Grace Church shows films there, and has fun fairs for the kids. There's also a basketball court. Groups of young people play there regularly.
Most people pick up after their dogs, and most pick up after their own messes.
Find out what's happening in Stoughtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
But, recently, there was a large amount of garbage tossed on the ground at the basketball court (just a few feet from an empty barrel.)
And, once again the backboards were covered in graffiti. This was found the day after the April 28 Pride of Stoughton cleanup, where volunteers spent hours cleaning up various Stoughton locations, including the CAPP/Halloran area.
Find out what's happening in Stoughtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The hoops were removed by the DPW to send a signal to the few who ruined it for everyone else.
Will they get the message? We'll see.
But, if you utilize the area (like I do), and see someone trashing the place, call the police. Or, tell them yourself. No one needs to see a diamond turned back into coal.
The park is regularly maintained by the DPW. They fill the doggie waste bag dispenser all the time, and maintain the place very well.
DPW Supt. John Batchelder told About Town that Halloran Park was cleaned up as part of Pride of Stoughton day, and then cleaned again following the vandalism.
This is what was most recently found. The kids who did it have no pride in their community or themselves.
Added Batchelder, "We are putting the hoops back up today (Monday, May 6). We'll see what happens. At some point, if this keeps up, we'll take them down for a longer time. It's a great thing for so many kids. I don't want the kids enjoying it responsibly to not have a place to go.
"It's a fine line to walk. Some people have asked why they came down. They came down because a few individuals trashed the place. Some neighbors don't want them back up. There's swearing and pealing out of cars. They need to let the police department know when there are problems."
There are barrels strategically placed all around the park. There are at least eight of them, that are regularly emptied by the DPW. There is simply NO excuse for throwing your filled McDonald's bag or Dunkin' Donuts cup on the lawn there.
Spaces like this are precious and few. As a community, let's see if we can protect it!
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