The City of Cambridge is moving forward with targeted improvements to the 158 Spring Street building and Ahern Field to strengthen this important East Cambridge campus. The building project focuses on addressing aging infrastructure and improving safety, accessibility, and major systems such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and building envelope components. Limited classroom upgrades and common area improvements will help enhance the learning environment for students, staff, and visitors.
Planned upgrades to the playground and splashpad areas will improve accessibility, safety, and functionality. These multi-use spaces support both school and neighborhood use.
At Ahern Field, proposed improvements include a new synthetic turf field with lighting, renovated basketball and hockey/pickleball courts, better park entrances, new seating and gathering spaces, and enhanced landscaping to create a more welcoming and active space for people of all ages.
Ahern Field Conceptual Design Open House, March 11, 2026
The City will be hosting a Conceptual Design Open House on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 6-8 p.m.
Ahern Field, located at 259 Charles Street, offers 2.6 acres of outdoor recreational space. We are planning improvements to create a more welcoming, accessible, and active neighborhood park for people of all ages.
After meeting with recreational users and hosting two community pop-ups, we’ve developed early design ideas based on what we heard.
Join City staff and the project team to review the concepts and share your feedback. Help shape the park’s future.
View full flyer here!
July 22, 2025 Ahern Field Pop-up event #2
Help Improve Ahern Field! Join us for a POP UP EVENT on Tuesday, July 22 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Do you spend time at Ahern Field?
Whether you use the basketball courts, playground, waterplay area, softball field, or street hockey space—we want to hear from you!
Stop by our table to talk with the design team!
Tell us where you spend the most time and what parts of the park you think need improvements.
We’ll be set up on the east side of the school, between the two playground areas. We’ll have free treats and a chance for you to share your ideas!
Your feedback will help us plan future updates to the park that reflect what the community needs and wants.
Can’t make it? Don’t worry—this is just the second of several events where you’ll have a chance to share your thoughts. If you attended the first event on June 23, no new information will be presented.
View flyer here.
June 23, 2025 Ahern Field Pop-up event #1
Join us at a Pop Up Event to Help Improve Ahern Field
Do you spend time at Ahern Field?
Whether you use the basketball courts, playground, waterplay area, softball field, or street hockey space—we want to hear from you!
Stop by our table to talk with the design team!
Tell us where you spend the most time and what parts of the park you think need improvements.
We’ll be set up on the east side of the school, between the two playground areas. We’ll have free popcorn and a chance for you to share your ideas!
Your feedback will help us plan future updates to the park that reflect what the community needs and wants.
Can’t make it? Don’t worry—this is just the first of several events where you’ll have a chance to share your thoughts.
View full flyer here.
****Updated Schedule as of February 2026*****
This is a tentative schedule, pending weather and unforeseen circumstances
Summer 2025-Summer 2026:
Design Phase
Summer 2026:
Out to bid
Fall 2026 - Spring 2027:
Ahern Field Construction
Winter 2027 - Fall of 2027:
158 Spring St Construction
For questions and concerns related to the Ahern Field Construction please contact:
Kristen Kelleher: Manager for Community Relations
Email: kkelleher@cambridgema.gov
Phone Number: 617-349-4825
For questions and concerns related to the 158 Spring St construction please contact:
Monique Oliveira
Email: moliveira@cambridgema.gov
Phone number: 617-831-5803
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