Maret Athletic Fields

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To be clear:

1. No official communication from Maret accused anyone specifically of anything. The email informed the community of the vandalism.

2. Maret followed every process, jumped through every hoop and patiently proceeded with the permitting process as dictated by the law. They now have the right to utilize the field. This issue is settled, regardless of the frustration of those on the other side.

3. The disingenuous opposition - first it was the trees, then it was the turf - is superficial and self-serving.

The fields look great and Maret did just as it was supposed to do.

To be clear:

1. I have never seen vandalized scoreboards in other private schools in the area which raises red flags on maret security protocols.

2. Maret build the field with the community opposing it, so it is obvious that this will continue in the foreseeable future.

3. Maret is not taking any security measures to prevent future incidents like this one.

Based on your writing style it’s pretty clear you’ve posted multiple times- and if I had to guess, are probably the one who also vandalized the board or knows who did.

Judging by your writing style you seem to be an entitled maret parent that doesn’t really care what the community thinks about a project in a residential area.

Not the PP, but entitlement of Maret parents has nothing to do with the reality of the field permitting process being completed and the school having the legal right to use it. What the community thinks of the project is no longer relevant, provided that Maret abides by the covenants that lead to the permitting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To be clear:

1. No official communication from Maret accused anyone specifically of anything. The email informed the community of the vandalism.

2. Maret followed every process, jumped through every hoop and patiently proceeded with the permitting process as dictated by the law. They now have the right to utilize the field. This issue is settled, regardless of the frustration of those on the other side.

3. The disingenuous opposition - first it was the trees, then it was the turf - is superficial and self-serving.

The fields look great and Maret did just as it was supposed to do.

To be clear:

1. I have never seen vandalized scoreboards in other private schools in the area which raises red flags on maret security protocols.

2. Maret build the field with the community opposing it, so it is obvious that this will continue in the foreseeable future.

3. Maret is not taking any security measures to prevent future incidents like this one.

Based on your writing style it’s pretty clear you’ve posted multiple times- and if I had to guess, are probably the one who also vandalized the board or knows who did.

Judging by your writing style you seem to be an entitled maret parent that doesn’t really care what the community thinks about a project in a residential area.

Not the PP, but entitlement of Maret parents has nothing to do with the reality of the field permitting process being completed and the school having the legal right to use it. What the community thinks of the project is no longer relevant, provided that Maret abides by the covenants that lead to the permitting.

100%. This is an operational facility that will be used by multiple entities (including DCPS) and while the neighbors fought hard and litigated extensively, they were unable to prevail. I think a lot of this will blow over and it’s the reaction to the site being open for play but the temperature needs to come down (again) on this topic and that takes some effort on the part of those who tried but failed to prevent the construction. It’s private property not public parkland.

[Anonymous]

As a nearby resident, I’ve seen the entire process, and I’ve been struck by the care and effort Maret has made to be a good neighbor. From what I understand, they went to great lengths (and expense) to preserve and relocate trees where possible, and the final result is both functional and beautifully done. I’ve often wondered how that property sat unused for as long as it did, and frankly, I’m grateful that we ended up with school athletic fields instead of one of the many other less desirable possibilities that we could have been stuck with. I know many families in NW who are excited about the potential for their non-Maret students to be able to use the field too.

What I find most troubling about the opposition aside from that it is now criminal, is that it seems so misguided being directed at a school with a strong track record of community engagement and progressive values. There is so much evil in the world right now that is worth fighting against, and these selfish neighbors are channeling their energy into opposing kids playing sports because there are a few more cars parked a few hours a day, and a few trees were moved. To direct this kind of anger at a school—and at children—feels not only misplaced, but deeply selfish. They should find themselves a new cause- war, poverty, climate change, and the list goes on. We can and should do better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a nearby resident, I’ve seen the entire process, and I’ve been struck by the care and effort Maret has made to be a good neighbor. From what I understand, they went to great lengths (and expense) to preserve and relocate trees where possible, and the final result is both functional and beautifully done. I’ve often wondered how that property sat unused for as long as it did, and frankly, I’m grateful that we ended up with school athletic fields instead of one of the many other less desirable possibilities that we could have been stuck with. I know many families in NW who are excited about the potential for their non-Maret students to be able to use the field too.

What I find most troubling about the opposition aside from that it is now criminal, is that it seems so misguided being directed at a school with a strong track record of community engagement and progressive values. There is so much evil in the world right now that is worth fighting against, and these selfish neighbors are channeling their energy into opposing kids playing sports because there are a few more cars parked a few hours a day, and a few trees were moved. To direct this kind of anger at a school—and at children—feels not only misplaced, but deeply selfish. They should find themselves a new cause- war, poverty, climate change, and the list goes on. We can and should do better.

This. A thousand times this.

So many of these neighbors are waging war on a kids playing field when they should be waging war on the things that truly affect lives, and not just theirs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To be clear:

1. No official communication from Maret accused anyone specifically of anything. The email informed the community of the vandalism.

2. Maret followed every process, jumped through every hoop and patiently proceeded with the permitting process as dictated by the law. They now have the right to utilize the field. This issue is settled, regardless of the frustration of those on the other side.

3. The disingenuous opposition - first it was the trees, then it was the turf - is superficial and self-serving.

The fields look great and Maret did just as it was supposed to do.

To be clear:

1. I have never seen vandalized scoreboards in other private schools in the area which raises red flags on maret security protocols.

2. Maret build the field with the community opposing it, so it is obvious that this will continue in the foreseeable future.

3. Maret is not taking any security measures to prevent future incidents like this one.

This argument requires belief that unhinged neighbors exist everywhere and are held in check from destroying private property and making life difficult for teenage athletes only by robust security. I think it’s more likely that most people are law-abiding and wouldn’t try to vandalize a school because they didn’t like some ground cover. The people around Maret are just very special.

You seem to know who did this. Have you contacted the police or the school with your information?

No idea. But when your argument is “vandalism is Maret’s fault because other schools haven’t been vandalized” you’ve lost the plot.

Agree. But I am not that PP. Just pointing out there will be plenty of opportunity to condemn the vandal(s) once they are identified. But if you have no idea (!), then blaming the neighbors is premature.

Given that it was the neighborhood that was objecting, it seems a reasonable guess, however.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a nearby resident, I’ve seen the entire process, and I’ve been struck by the care and effort Maret has made to be a good neighbor. From what I understand, they went to great lengths (and expense) to preserve and relocate trees where possible, and the final result is both functional and beautifully done. I’ve often wondered how that property sat unused for as long as it did, and frankly, I’m grateful that we ended up with school athletic fields instead of one of the many other less desirable possibilities that we could have been stuck with. I know many families in NW who are excited about the potential for their non-Maret students to be able to use the field too.

What I find most troubling about the opposition aside from that it is now criminal, is that it seems so misguided being directed at a school with a strong track record of community engagement and progressive values. There is so much evil in the world right now that is worth fighting against, and these selfish neighbors are channeling their energy into opposing kids playing sports because there are a few more cars parked a few hours a day, and a few trees were moved. To direct this kind of anger at a school—and at children—feels not only misplaced, but deeply selfish. They should find themselves a new cause- war, poverty, climate change, and the list goes on. We can and should do better.

Very well articulated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a nearby resident, I’ve seen the entire process, and I’ve been struck by the care and effort Maret has made to be a good neighbor. From what I understand, they went to great lengths (and expense) to preserve and relocate trees where possible, and the final result is both functional and beautifully done. I’ve often wondered how that property sat unused for as long as it did, and frankly, I’m grateful that we ended up with school athletic fields instead of one of the many other less desirable possibilities that we could have been stuck with. I know many families in NW who are excited about the potential for their non-Maret students to be able to use the field too.

What I find most troubling about the opposition aside from that it is now criminal, is that it seems so misguided being directed at a school with a strong track record of community engagement and progressive values. There is so much evil in the world right now that is worth fighting against, and these selfish neighbors are channeling their energy into opposing kids playing sports because there are a few more cars parked a few hours a day, and a few trees were moved. To direct this kind of anger at a school—and at children—feels not only misplaced, but deeply selfish. They should find themselves a new cause- war, poverty, climate change, and the list goes on. We can and should do better.

Agree with most of your first paragraph. Except wasn’t the preservation of the trees a requirement Maret agreed to rather than a voluntary action?

As far as a progressive school, in terms of curriculum, yes. But no school with such high tuition and exclusive community can claim to be progressive in the political sense. Maret and schools like it perpetuate the status quo rather than seek social reform. No judgment on that. It’s a private school and they do as they like. But they aren’t progressive in the sense you mean.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To be clear:

1. No official communication from Maret accused anyone specifically of anything. The email informed the community of the vandalism.

2. Maret followed every process, jumped through every hoop and patiently proceeded with the permitting process as dictated by the law. They now have the right to utilize the field. This issue is settled, regardless of the frustration of those on the other side.

3. The disingenuous opposition - first it was the trees, then it was the turf - is superficial and self-serving.

The fields look great and Maret did just as it was supposed to do.

To be clear:

1. I have never seen vandalized scoreboards in other private schools in the area which raises red flags on maret security protocols.

2. Maret build the field with the community opposing it, so it is obvious that this will continue in the foreseeable future.

3. Maret is not taking any security measures to prevent future incidents like this one.

This argument requires belief that unhinged neighbors exist everywhere and are held in check from destroying private property and making life difficult for teenage athletes only by robust security. I think it’s more likely that most people are law-abiding and wouldn’t try to vandalize a school because they didn’t like some ground cover. The people around Maret are just very special.

You seem to know who did this. Have you contacted the police or the school with your information?

No idea. But when your argument is “vandalism is Maret’s fault because other schools haven’t been vandalized” you’ve lost the plot.

Agree. But I am not that PP. Just pointing out there will be plenty of opportunity to condemn the vandal(s) once they are identified. But if you have no idea (!), then blaming the neighbors is premature.

Given that it was the neighborhood that was objecting, it seems a reasonable guess, however.

But you have no idea.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To be clear:

1. No official communication from Maret accused anyone specifically of anything. The email informed the community of the vandalism.

2. Maret followed every process, jumped through every hoop and patiently proceeded with the permitting process as dictated by the law. They now have the right to utilize the field. This issue is settled, regardless of the frustration of those on the other side.

3. The disingenuous opposition - first it was the trees, then it was the turf - is superficial and self-serving.

The fields look great and Maret did just as it was supposed to do.

To be clear:

1. I have never seen vandalized scoreboards in other private schools in the area which raises red flags on maret security protocols.

2. Maret build the field with the community opposing it, so it is obvious that this will continue in the foreseeable future.

3. Maret is not taking any security measures to prevent future incidents like this one.

This argument requires belief that unhinged neighbors exist everywhere and are held in check from destroying private property and making life difficult for teenage athletes only by robust security. I think it’s more likely that most people are law-abiding and wouldn’t try to vandalize a school because they didn’t like some ground cover. The people around Maret are just very special.

You seem to know who did this. Have you contacted the police or the school with your information?

No idea. But when your argument is “vandalism is Maret’s fault because other schools haven’t been vandalized” you’ve lost the plot.

Agree. But I am not that PP. Just pointing out there will be plenty of opportunity to condemn the vandal(s) once they are identified. But if you have no idea (!), then blaming the neighbors is premature.

Given that it was the neighborhood that was objecting, it seems a reasonable guess, however.

But you have no idea.

It’s true. It could have been a random gang of roving vandals who come armed with a lot of spray paint and the skill and wherewithal to paint an entire 3-foot Lorax on a scoreboard the day the field opened.


Maybe Dr. Seuss characters are a gang tag now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a nearby resident, I’ve seen the entire process, and I’ve been struck by the care and effort Maret has made to be a good neighbor. From what I understand, they went to great lengths (and expense) to preserve and relocate trees where possible, and the final result is both functional and beautifully done. I’ve often wondered how that property sat unused for as long as it did, and frankly, I’m grateful that we ended up with school athletic fields instead of one of the many other less desirable possibilities that we could have been stuck with. I know many families in NW who are excited about the potential for their non-Maret students to be able to use the field too.

What I find most troubling about the opposition aside from that it is now criminal, is that it seems so misguided being directed at a school with a strong track record of community engagement and progressive values. There is so much evil in the world right now that is worth fighting against, and these selfish neighbors are channeling their energy into opposing kids playing sports because there are a few more cars parked a few hours a day, and a few trees were moved. To direct this kind of anger at a school—and at children—feels not only misplaced, but deeply selfish. They should find themselves a new cause- war, poverty, climate change, and the list goes on. We can and should do better.

Well, things have died down (in theory a temporary lull) regarding the new Library and Community Center in Chevy Chase, which allowed the same neighbors to turn their energy back to the Maret fields.

In theory, once there is activity again on the Library and CC, then they will direct all their outrage back there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a nearby resident, I’ve seen the entire process, and I’ve been struck by the care and effort Maret has made to be a good neighbor. From what I understand, they went to great lengths (and expense) to preserve and relocate trees where possible, and the final result is both functional and beautifully done. I’ve often wondered how that property sat unused for as long as it did, and frankly, I’m grateful that we ended up with school athletic fields instead of one of the many other less desirable possibilities that we could have been stuck with. I know many families in NW who are excited about the potential for their non-Maret students to be able to use the field too.

What I find most troubling about the opposition aside from that it is now criminal, is that it seems so misguided being directed at a school with a strong track record of community engagement and progressive values. There is so much evil in the world right now that is worth fighting against, and these selfish neighbors are channeling their energy into opposing kids playing sports because there are a few more cars parked a few hours a day, and a few trees were moved. To direct this kind of anger at a school—and at children—feels not only misplaced, but deeply selfish. They should find themselves a new cause- war, poverty, climate change, and the list goes on. We can and should do better.

Well, things have died down (in theory a temporary lull) regarding the new Library and Community Center in Chevy Chase, which allowed the same neighbors to turn their energy back to the Maret fields.

In theory, once there is activity again on the Library and CC, then they will direct all their outrage back there.

This is true.

You would think all this energy and money could find its way to solve actual problems, but I guess not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To be clear:

1. No official communication from Maret accused anyone specifically of anything. The email informed the community of the vandalism.

2. Maret followed every process, jumped through every hoop and patiently proceeded with the permitting process as dictated by the law. They now have the right to utilize the field. This issue is settled, regardless of the frustration of those on the other side.

3. The disingenuous opposition - first it was the trees, then it was the turf - is superficial and self-serving.

The fields look great and Maret did just as it was supposed to do.

To be clear:

1. I have never seen vandalized scoreboards in other private schools in the area which raises red flags on maret security protocols.

2. Maret build the field with the community opposing it, so it is obvious that this will continue in the foreseeable future.

3. Maret is not taking any security measures to prevent future incidents like this one.

This argument requires belief that unhinged neighbors exist everywhere and are held in check from destroying private property and making life difficult for teenage athletes only by robust security. I think it’s more likely that most people are law-abiding and wouldn’t try to vandalize a school because they didn’t like some ground cover. The people around Maret are just very special.

You seem to know who did this. Have you contacted the police or the school with your information?

No idea. But when your argument is “vandalism is Maret’s fault because other schools haven’t been vandalized” you’ve lost the plot.

Agree. But I am not that PP. Just pointing out there will be plenty of opportunity to condemn the vandal(s) once they are identified. But if you have no idea (!), then blaming the neighbors is premature.

Given that it was the neighborhood that was objecting, it seems a reasonable guess, however.

But you have no idea.

Pp you’re responding to, and no, I don’t. The possibility certainly exists that someone not connected to the neighborhood’s dispute about the trees decided the field just needed a Lorax to spruce it up. Who knows?

[Anonymous]

As a non-Maret parent, all I can say is that I'm thrilled that my son will be playing them in soccer at their new field, instead of the horrible Jelleff field.

[Anonymous]

As a non-maret parent I am surprised that every time that maret uses a field there is always a problem with the community (both at Barrett and Jelleff)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a non-maret parent I am surprised that every time that maret uses a field there is always a problem with the community (both at Barrett and Jelleff)

Or maybe it's just some really under-employed folks with way too much time and too few truly important causes in their lives channeling their ennui on the school community.