By James W. Dolan

I suppose a poorly maintained park is better than no park. But why should we have to settle for trash, weeds and plantings that originally cost thousands of dollars choking on grass and weeds that have not been touched since the park opened.

I join the Dorchester Reporter in applauding all those who worked for the formation of the Neponset River Greenway/Pope John Paul II Park. Even in its present unkempt state it is better than the old dump it replaced. But why should we have to settle for shoddy workmanship and neglect.

I often walk the park and am distressed at its condition compared to parks I have visited in other states. Maintenance is at a minimum. The motto appears to be: "Do as little as you can get away with."

Spare me the response that the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) is under-funded. That certainly is the case, but it is no excuse. A couple of retirees with the right equipment could keep the park in first rate condition.

They would first have to care and take pride in the appearance of that precious addition to Dorchester's shoreline. The new addition at the corner of Hillside Street and Granite Avenue will fall into the same state of disrepair if the community does not demand better service.

If the people in charge really cared, they would be out there themselves (yes, I mean the commissioner) setting an example as to what can be done when people stop only thinking of excuses.

While I happen to believe the fellow who does my lawn could do a better job maintaining the park by himself, I know there will be a million excuses why it cannot be done without more personnel.

Assume for the sake of argument that is true, although I do not believe it for a minute. In my years of state service, too often I heard lack of funds as an excuse for not trying. Is it too much to expect agency heads to try doing more with less? No! But that would be viewed as self defeating.

First, it would be admitting that with better management we could have been more efficient. Second, if you can do more with less, you are not likely to get any more. There goes the argument for more resources.

Why can't the DCR, in cooperation with the Department of Probation, use probationers from Dorchester District Court who are required to do community service? Both agencies will probably think of reasons why that cannot be done. That is the way bureaucracies work.

Why not tap into Dorchester's robust civic associations to organize teams of volunteers to help with the upkeep of the park? Perhaps businesses in the area would be willing to donate toward its upkeep. Has that been tried? I doubt it.

It's easier just to blame forces beyond your control. Better to make excuses than to become more efficient and creative. I have yet to see a public agency that could not perform better. Perhaps we should be content with a poorly maintained park. It's all we deserve and we're lucky we have it. I don't buy that. If you're going to do something, then do it well.

A park is supposed to enhance the quality of life. It should be clean and if not beautiful, at least attractive. Where are the flowers? Has anybody asked Lambert's to donate some?

It's time for Dorchester to get angry and demand that more be done so its park can be the "Esplanade" of Boston's south side. When Dorchester gets mad, things tend to happen.

Compared to the Esplanade (which is far from pristine) we're getting third rate service. While you're out enjoying the Neponset Greenway Festival look closely at those overgrown islands of trees and bushes that dot the park. Look at the overgrown area around the fishing pier near the Port Norfolk entrance.

Perhaps some vegetable gardens would spruce up the barren hilltop. Why not picnic benches for family cookouts? It is a great spot&emdash;visible to thousands every day on the Southeast Expressway.

There have been some recent encouraging developments. Gov. Deval Patrick appears to be taking a personal interest in better park and beach management. Maybe some progress will be made in preserving our precious natural assets.

The park should be making a statement: "This is Dorchester where nature is honored and beauty prized. I sit at the gateway to a great city. I am a gift to the people of that city. See how they value me."

James W. Dolan is a retired Dorchester District Court justice who now practices law