To the Editor:
We are indeed grateful to the Newburyport City Council for its June 30 vote, which supported Mayor John Moak's request to redesignate "Cushing Park" from a parking lot to a mixed use parking and Senior Center locale. For two decades city officials have been promising a site for a center for the senior population. Many of your older citizens waited with hope for this to happen and will not see it. Those of us here now see the strong possibility of a Senior Center in Newburyport in our lifetime and have renewed energy to make it happen. The Golden Agers, at their meeting on July 2, applauded the decision enthusiastically.
With a team effort led by the City of Newburyport and careful strategic planning, we will work to raise funds communitywide, with small and large donations, events to involve the community, and promote continued awareness that a senior center is one focal point of which all our residents can be proud. A new public building will surely enhance the neglected site, retaining for the neighborhood a park-like ambience, a children's playground and parking space.
Let's regard this as a "win-win" situation and unify to accomplish the plan. Donations are coming forward and a campaign team is forming. Those wishing to give early support may make checks payable to Friends of Newburyport Council on Aging, Newburyport Council on Aging, P.O. Box 550, Newburyport, M.A. 01950.
With sincere thanks and enthusiasm.
Olga MacFarlane
Frances Munroe
Newburyport
