Herb Gram: Placing Restrictions On Park Naming Process Is Wrong

Mr. Nate Rogers

Madison Ct.  06443

Dear Nate,

By now you have received many letters suggestions for renaming Constitution Park, the old airport area.  Many I’m sure have supported the name be changed to: “The Robert Schumann Park”.  These letters and other documents have additionally contained much supportive information and justifications for honoring Mr. Schumann which I whole heartedly support and have little to add, other than strongly seconding such an action. 

My problem as an old “Life” Boy Scout, the father of two Eagle scouts, a past Cub Pack leader and a past Scout Leader, is more with the restrictions apparently placed on you as to the persons being allowed the opportunity of contributing to the naming as well as the limitation regarding the actual naming.  You mention having received some 500 forms from High School students and an additional 100 plus from other schools.  Therefore it appears as though the naming contributors have been limited to only school age children, and/or their parents.  To the best of my knowledge, no questionnaires have been available through the Library, Senior Center, on line , through the Town Web Site, nor the like, therefore no other opportunity for adult participation.  This effort cannot be considered a Town wide opportunity to name one of the largest park areas in our town.  I, personally have not seen the questionnaire, and am therefore limited in knowledge about any other limitations.

Of even greater concern is the restriction that were placed upon you, by not allowing you to consider using the names Griswold nor Hammonasset in the park name and further that the selection should not be named after "any living or recently deceased person". ... . If your effort is to be considered as a “significant” civic contribution, then placing any such restrictions is wrong.  I would find it hard to believe the regional Scouting Board would be in favor of restricting the participation in a civic service project to a specific age group. Finally Nate, as a local High School Student, you must be aware of the historic naming of some of our major landmarks.  By way of example:  The Bauer Park – obviously named after the Bauer Family. The Strong Field – again named after the Strong family, The Ryerson School, the Daniel Hand High School, the Wm. Polson School, Lowery Park, the Scranton Library, etc.  All these and many others are clear examples of our citizens honoring those that have given much to our town of Madison.

Nate, I would like to suggest that you sit with your Scoutmaster and your adviser, and discuss this matter, as your decision to abide by the limitations placed upon you, will have far reaching effect on the BSA.  Good luck with your project.

Best regards,

Herb Gram

Madison, CT