Environmental justice means ensuring that all people have equitable access to environmental benefits for living, working, learning and playing, without undue exposure to adverse environmental impacts such as pollution. It is to It is well established that environmental injustice burdens communities that are predominantly people of color and those with large populations living below the poverty line.of Woodlawn District of pawtucket Meets both these standards and residents District 5 Deserving access to quality green space.
Woodlawn is now at risk of exacerbating environmental injustice due to the sale and repurposing of the neighborhood’s only large green space. Morley Field Located on Moshashuk Road. Pawtucket City Council voted in favor We sold half of Morley Field (Lot 309) on Wednesday, October 19, and are literally on our way to paving and installing parking in this local paradise.
Morley Field has been a prized space for sporting events and community gatherings since the 1970s and serves as the only public access point. Moshasshuck River Cross the city of Pawtucket. Even while the green space is closed, residents continue to use the Field parking lot as a place for group exercise, making it a vital meeting point for Woodlawn residents.
Woodlawn is a working-class community with a majority of people of color, and it is an environmental injustice to locally restrict access to the green space’s environment. Additionally, the proposed replacement green space is beyond reasonable walking distance for residents of District 5 and is located in an affluent, predominantly white neighborhood. 6th districtThis means that alternate sites are increasing unfair access to Pawtucket’s green spaces and is an example of environmental racism. Should be a city priority.
An important environmental good that all communities deserve is access to green space. Spending time outside provides opportunities for physical activity, critical and creative thinking, and interaction with members of his community. It shows that interaction with the natural world is important not only for the healthy development of children, but also for the physical, mental and emotional health of both children and adults. Moreover, studies show that well-maintained green spaces, such as city parks, are correlated with reduced violent crime and gun violence, whereas poorly maintained green spaces can actually lead to increased crime. There is a possibility
Ongoing community action at city gatherings makes it clear that paving this local paradise into a parking lot is not in the best interest of Pawtucket residents. may have significant health and safety benefits for Pawtucket.As Rhode Island Environmental Education Association (Leah), we are strong proponents of environmental justice statewide, ensuring that all Rhode Islanders have access to safe, clean, outdoor places to play, work, and learn. We have successfully made similar efforts central to Providence’s planning decisions and are urging Pawtucket to follow suit. We share with Rhode Islanders who are concerned about protecting their neighbors and their children’s ability to learn and play outdoors how the permanent transition of gathering spaces in this community undermines our commitment to equity. If you are interested in challenging the injustice of this environment, Join us on November 3, 2003 from 4-6pm at Pawtucket City Hall for a community rally to defend Morley Field..
Morley Field Details:
