I am writing to you as a long time Northeastern Fan. My late husband Alex Gillis was a graduate of NU Law School in 1942, and my personal adviser at the University of Rhode Island was Asa Knowles who later became president of NU.
I have worked closely with many NU professors and students in environmental studies in an effort to clean up the sewage etc. in the Muddy River.
Unfortunately, I live across the street from NU’s major athletic field – Parsons Field. I am appalled by the number of students who drive to the field or take the shuttle buses for major games.
Mike Dukakis lives within shouting distance of the field. He is over 60 years old but walks to NU and back every day.
Why don’t the students walk or ride bikes to the game? Regarding the latter, I don’t think there are any bike racks on the field. NU has such wonderful environmental courses, I think the students should be encouraged to “practice what you preach.” Instead of polluting the air with fumes, they should think about getting some exercise and fresh air.
How long would it take to walk to Parsons’ Field? Ask Mike Dukakis. I would say the walk takes about 20 minutes, and what a wonderful walk it is!
I would say the most rewarding trip would start at 96 The Fenway (the address of the NU Faculty Club in back of the Museum of Fine Arts).
Cross the Fenway and take the little bridge that goes across the Muddy River. Now you are in the Fenway area of the Emerald Necklace. At your right is the Kelleher Rose Garden, beautiful until the frost in December, and the Victory Garden where 350 citizens plant flowers and fruits and vegetables every year going back to 1942.
Veer left across Climente Field and go down the street past the beautiful Isabella Stuart Garden museum (which serves lunches). Follow down this street past Simmons and Emmanuel College, cross the main highway here and you are on the Brookline side of the Emerald Necklace. Take Netherlands Road to Aspinwall Ave. Turn right and walk two blocks and you are at Parson’s Field.
What a delightful walk, especially on a mid fall day – leaves of gold and red about!
If you start out early enough, you might even have time to visit some of the sites along the way, like the Garden Museum.
Anyhow, you exercise more than your lungs to get to and from the game. I hope you will give it a try.
