To the editor:

There has been a great deal of talk around the Town of Barrington about a lack of field space for youth, on the one hand, and what to do with the monastery property on the other hand. Might it be suggested (if it hasn’t been already) putting our hands together and simply creating more field space by using the monastery property? 

At the end of the day, we are trying to serve future generations. Are they going to be very impressed with a tacky plastic field 40 years from now? A field that does not actually create more space, it just creates a space that can be used more often with less wear? There is another name for spaces like that: parking lots.

All the green and blue spaces in Barrington contribute to its unparalleled beauty and charm. Bristol has Colt State Park, with beautiful fields just a walk from the beach. 

Why can’t Barrington have the same? 

After that is all sorted, we can focus on getting a new track and a turf field at the high school, where it’s actually needed, giving taxpayers the best bang for their buck all around. No one is going to get rich off this idea, no developers or turf installers, but I think, if it’s possible, it will create immense wealth for the youth of this town for generations to come. 

Ben Lane 

Barrington