COUNCILOR RYAN R.

ODONNELL

CITY COUNCIL, WARD 3
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
MASSACHUSETTS





January 31, 2014




Dear Members of the Community Preservation Committee,

I am writing in support of a proposal to make certain much needed improvements to
Bridge Street Schools playground.

Few things serve as clearer symbols of community than our public schools.
Northampton residents recognize this universally, and have shown time and again their
unshakable dedication to the success of our schools. I believe this should mean success in all
respectsfrom the welfare of our students and teachers to the facilities they use. Bridge
Street School is not just a building but an essential part of a deeply felt, citywide
commitment to public education.

Since all of Northampton has a stake in Bridge Streets future, we should all be
concerned that this school currently lacks adequate playground facilities. I view the scope of
this proposal, to renovate the chronically muddy, dusty and generally unsuitable ground that
the students play on, as somewhat modest. After all, this is a school that does not even have a
swing set. This first step, however, would still represent important progress.

Thank you very much for your consideration in this matter and for your public service
as members of the Community Preservation Committee, which so greatly and consistently
benefits the City of Northampton.



Sincerely,


Ryan ODonnell