To the editor:
Last fall at the invitation of Janet Canino, I started attending the Auburn Parks and Receation Board meetings. After a discussion with Janet about much of the research being published on the impact of the outdoors and play on childrenâs health and well-being. She felt I might bring a different perspective to these meetings being a former elementary teacher and as someone currently working in early childhood education. Even during pandemic restrictions, I began to notice attendance at these meetings grow as she reached out to others in our community who might bring different perspectives as decisions were made about the future development of our parks. She reached out to experts in forestry and the environment, native plant enthusiasts, hikers of local trails, educators, local land owners and people of all ages and backgrounds.