Isenberg became involved with the park as soon as he moved into the neighborhood a little over a year and a half ago.

He was one of the neighbors who brought the park to the council's attention in November.

"Back in November we were trying to engage the owner and see if we could work out a deal. We were concerned about the future of the site," he says.

"There was starting to be a real active, solid group of people involved and concerned about the park and there was starting to be a real partnership with the community and the school," Isenberg adds.

Now, Isenberg is trying various tactics to deal with the invisible owner.

"It's difficult when you don't know who the owner is," he says.

But it seems that this has not deterred him.

Just earlier this week Isenberg met with State Sen. Robert Travaglini (D-Cambridge) about getting state funds to acquire the lot.

Isenberg has even tried to involve Harvard students in the future of the park, and will meet with the Harvard Environmental Action Coalition tonight.

Isenberg plans to raise up to $100,000 for Putnam Park, and says he will approach Harvard about whether it will donate money to the cause.

"They [Harvard] have a lot of stake in this area," he says. "They're probably going to be developing in the area and so this would be a sign of good will on their part to support neighborhood open space."

He notes that Harvard has another stake in the park-Peabody Terraces, which houses graduate students, is right across the street from the park.

In his fight, Isenberg has had the support of neighbors like Spofford and Lisa A. Fantoro.

The Cambridge couple lives across the street from the park and has participated in clean-up and gardening efforts.

The couple says they would like to preserve the park for their newborn son, Adam B. Spofford.