April 22, 2026 Submitted By Marsha Stevens
My name is Marsha Stevens, I live on Gardner Street. I am 80 years old. I am concerned about proposals that would irreparably change and further encroach on Bare Cove Park.
I know that the proponents of these changes claim that the land to be built on isn’t in the Park but looking at that seamless, large, mature, canopy forest, I can’t support their position.
About a decade ago, I was actively involved in efforts to continue allowing off-leash dogs in the park. I still have the lawn sign from that time. Now, years later, I have returned to Bare Cove Park with a one-year old puppy and find the Park under threat again, this time from multiple directions. In each case, the apparent beneficiaries are developers and construction interests, not the people who use and value this special place.
Bare Cove Park is historically significant. The quiet memorials that honor the work done there and those who protected and preserved our country should not be disturbed or erased. Preserving history, even when it is not a tourist attraction, matters. The same is true of books in our library. Not all are frequently read, but they are preserved for the perspectives and knowledge they hold. Proposals for the construction of more recreational facilities and parking lots are unnecessary and permanently spoil our public land and protected open spaces.
When my mother lived with me years ago, I explored the services offered by the Hingham Senior Center. While the environment was pleasant, the direct services were extremely limited and appeared disconnected from the practical needs of seniors who required assistance. The nature of the Senior Center seemed to be mostly social. When I asked for referrals for basics such as handyman services or snow shoveling, no lists were available.
In Hingham, it seems that most families are expected to care for their own seniors, and the Senior Center primarily serves older adults who are still functioning and looking for activities. We have several upscale independent and assisted living facilities in Hingham which don’t need a separate senior center.
I have no interest in a new and expensive senior center facility, requiring added staffing and ongoing taxpayer expenses. Seniors need universal tax relief far more than expensive new projects. If there is money available for construction, it should instead be directed toward tax and utility reductions and practical, home-based support for senior residents trying to remain in their own homes—help with housekeeping, shopping, meals, and basic upkeep. That would be far more useful than a fancier place to play bingo and card games.
If we are going to invest in anything, we should invest in culture and community life. Seniors should not be isolated from the mainstream of Hingham life. Music, dance, and the arts bring people together across generations, and seniors may benefit far more from shared cultural opportunities than from a larger senior center facility. Or we could develop a community stewardship program focused on education, wildlife habitat and environmental protection—no building necessary—designed to engage seniors and young people together. A coordinator for community life would cost far less, and accomplish far more, than building, staffing and maintaining a new Senior Center.
Hingham needs a stronger sense of caring and community. We do not need more buildings.