Sennott Park Hosts Teen Space, SHADE


8/26/2025 • 3 months ago

Image of SHADE installation in Sennott Park with many people playing in the grass and seated on the structure

If you haven’t already, we encourage community members to visit the SHADE installation, a vibrant teen space in Sennott Park!

This summer, Sennott Park is hosting a temporary installation developed by teen-led nonprofit, SHADE. This space was created for teens to combat isolation, help improve teen mental health, and provide a safe place to cool down in the summer. The "Halo" light is on a timer, turning on after 5pm and going off at 9pm.

Picture of SHADE installation in Sennott Park at night. Structure features a large lit and glowing circle on the ceiling with a rainbow of bright colors.

SHADE is led by Cambridge-based teen Co-Directors Eli Goncalves, Matt Keane, and Samadhi Simmons. SHADE is supported by Debbie Bonilla of Equity Roadmap, Amon Millner of Olin College of Engineering, Rob Trumbour and architecture students at Wentworth Institute of Technology, Levi Bedall of Pneuhaus Inflatable Art and Architecture, and Jeff Goldenson of buildingways, administrator of SHADE.

Regarding the installation, SHADE Co-Director Samadhi Simmons said, "SHADE is the place to be if you’re looking for chill vibes, snacks, music and community. SHADE has so much to offer for not just teens, but children and adults as well. Within the past two years I’ve gotten to see SHADE become a place for everyone. I’ve seen the smiles and laughter when people are around just enjoying our space; it’s truly amazing and I can’t wait for more to come out of SHADE."

SHADE is made possible by a Public Art for Spatial Justice grant by the New England Foundation for the Arts and a Cambridge Community Foundation grant.

Please contact Jeff Goldenson if you have questions about the SHADE installation.

Photographs courtesy of Samadhi Simmons and SHADE