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Public Works > City Construction Projects > Gold Star Mothers Memorial Park Remediation and Improvements Project

Gold Star Mothers Memorial Park Remediation and Improvements Project

Gold Star Mothers Memorial Park is a park within a neighborhood of historic residences in Cambridge. The park provides this close-knit community with a place for quiet relaxation, active recreation and neighborhood activities. The park is used by residents as a connection between Cambridge and Somerville. The park is named for women whose children died in service during World War II. These women were called “Gold Star Mothers” because they received small flags with gold stars. In 1968 the city received a federal grant to purchase land on this site and develop a park. During the basketball court renovation in Spring 2025, historic on-site soil contamination was identified and the park was closed.

The Remediation and Improvement Project has the following goals:

  • Complete a comprehensive clean up of the soil contamination.
  • Support the future tree canopy.
  • Enhance the site character and programming.
  • Increase social gathering spaces.
  • Strengthen site circulation and access.
  • Develop a play strategy that meets the city needs.
  • Integrate public art. 
 

Construction Notice: Soil Samples Scheduled at Gold Star Mothers Memorial Park Beginning August 19, 2026

As part of an upcoming remediation and improvement project, the City’s consultants, Weston & Sampson, will be collecting soil samples within the park.

 

The work will take place on Wednesday, August 19; Tuesday, September 1; and Thursday, September 3. The work is expected to have minimal impact on the community. However, the tot lot will be closed on Thursday, September 3 while sampling is conducted in that area. The tot lot will reopen as soon as the work is complete.

 

A Geoprobe will be used to collect shallow soil samples, up to approximately 3 feet below the ground surface. Any holes created during sampling will be repaired at the end of each workday.

 

This work is expected to take three nonconsecutive days to complete.

 

What should I expect during this work?

  • Work will begin on August 19th, continue September 1st, and finish on September 3rd.
  • Work hours will be Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Soil samples will be taken with a Geoprobe. Locations have been selected to characterize the soil for disposal purposes.
  • There will be some noise from the operations, as the use of heavy equipment is involved.
  • Access around the park will be always maintained.
  • Emergency vehicles will have access at all times.

For information and assistance during construction:

If you have any questions about this upcoming work, or if you need assistance, including if you have any special needs or disabilities that require special accommodations, please contact Kristen Kelleher DPW Community Relations Manager at 617-349-4825 / kkelleher@cambridgema.gov.

July 20, 2026

The Project Team has received the public comments from June 2026 and is actively working to develop a final design for the park. The final design will be presented to the public on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 6pm on Zoom. Stay tuned for the public meeting notice in August 2026.
 
Please reach out to Kristen Kelleher or Jennifer Letourneau with all comments and questions. 

View the third community meeting presentation here!

Gold Star Mothers Memorial Park Conceptual Design Open House Tuesday, June 9, 2026

The City will be hosting a Conceptual Design Open House on Tuesday, June 9 from 6-8 p.m. at the Millers River Apartments, 15 Lambert Street, in the Community Room.

*Please enter via the 15 Lambert Street entrance.

Join City staff and the project team to review the concepts and share your feedback. Help shape the park's renovation!

View full flyer here!

Gold Star Mothers Park Schedule 
The Remediation and Improvement Project has the following goals:
  • Complete a comprehensive clean up of the soil contamination.
  • Support the future tree canopy.
  • Enhance the site character and programming.
  • Increase social gathering spaces.
  • Strengthen site circulation and access.
  • Develop a play strategy that meets the city needs.
  • Integrate public art.

Kristen Kelleher - Community Relations Manager 

617-349-4825 or kkelleher@Cambridgema.gov

or 

Jennifer Letourneau - Senior Engineer

617-349-4680 or jletourneau@cambridgema.gov

 

Page was posted on 6/1/2026 7:05 PM
Page was last modified on 8/13/2026 11:02 AM
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