Parks & Open Space

Athletic Use

Permits are required for use of any City of Cambridge athletic field. Learn more and apply for an Athletic Field Permit through the Department of Human Service Programs. 

Event Use

To request use of a non-athletic park (excluding Danehy Park), apply for a Park Permit through the Department of Public Works.

 Athletic Use

Permits are required for use of any City of Cambridge athletic field.The permit fee for adult-use of athletic fields is $120.00 per 2-hour increment.

Learn more and apply for an Athletic Field Permit through the Department of Human Service Programs.

Event Use

To request use of a non-athletic park (excluding Danehy Park), apply for a Park Permit through the Department of Public Works. The fee for a park event permit is $25.

• The Cambridge Parks and Playgrounds Guide lists parks and open spaces throughout the city and includes neighborhood maps to help you find them.

• The Waterplay Locations Map shows parks and playgrounds throughout the city that feature waterplay sprinklers - ideal for cooling off in the summer heat.

• The Off-Leash Dog Areas Map indicates which open spaces in the city are dedicated off-leash areas, shared use off-leash areas, and shared use hours areas. 

You can submit a service request at cambridgema.gov/311 or you can call the parks department at 617/349-4885.

There are also a number of parks in Cambridge managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. For issues related to the Charles River Reservation, Alewife Reservation, Blair Pond, or McCrehan Memorial Pool, please call 617/626-1250 or mass.parks@state.ma.us.

You can submit a service request at cambridgema.gov/311 or you can call the parks department at 617/349-4885

Dogs are generally allowed in parks on leash, except in certain areas where they are specifically prohibited, such as enclosed play areas for younger children. These are indicated by on-site signage. In addition, the City has established opportunities for Cambridge-licensed dogs to legally be off leash in certain locations and times. Please refer to the Off-Leash Dog Areas Map for more information. 

• Dedicated Off-Leash Spaces are contained areas for dog play within parks. Dogs must be leashed prior to entering the off-leash spaces.
  The following parks have dedicated off-leash spaces:
  • Pacific Street Park in Cambridgeport, located at Pacific Street Park, at Tudor Street between Pacific Street and Sidney Street.
  • Danehy Park in Neighborhood Nine, located at Danehy Park, near the New Street entrance to the park.
  • Giacobbe Dog Run in North Cambridge, located behind the Anderson Courts near the intersection of Pemberton Street and Yerxa Road.
  • Temporary Off Leash Area at Rogers Street Park in East Cambridge, located at the northwest corner of the site of the future Rogers Street Park. Click here for more information.

• Shared Use Off-Leash Spaces allow dogs to be off-leash in spaces that are not separated from other uses and activities.
  The following parks have shared use off-leash spaces:
• Fort Washington Park in Cambridgeport
• Fresh Pond Reservation in West Cambridge - View dog regulations and seasonal shared use guidelines at the Fresh Pond Reservation here
  

• Shared Use Hours allow for dogs to be off-leash during specific hours at the following locations:
  
  • Gold Star Mothers Park in East Cambridge, 6:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M.
  • Raymond Street Park in Neighborhood Nine, 6:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M.
  • Joan Lorentz Park in Mid-Cambridge, 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M.
  • Greene-Rose Heritage Park in the Port, 6:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M.
  • Hoyt Field in Cambridgeport, 6:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M.

Additional Resources

• Off Leash Doges in Cambridge Parks
• Off Leash Rules and Etiquette
• Off Leash Dog Guide, a brochure about off leash resources for Cambridge-licensed dogs
• Dog Licensing Information

To report irresponsible dog owners, please contact the Animal Commission at (617) 349-4376.