May 27, 2026 Concept Design Development
The City is continuing design development for improvements at Ahern Field and the surrounding park areas. The concept shown here illustrates the overall direction of the project including a proposed synthetic turf athletic field intended to support a wide range of recreational uses, along with broader park improvements focused on accessibility, play, gathering spaces, shade, landscaping, and heat mitigation.
In addition to athletic field improvements, the project currently includes concepts for additional trees and planting areas, depaving and expanded green space, updated seating and social areas, playground and water play features, and circulation and entry improvements intended to better support day-to-day neighborhood use of the park. The perspective rendering shown here depicts a view of the conceptual design courts, fields, and gathering areas.
These graphics are conceptual and represent the current stage of design development. Final materials, layouts, amenities, and project scope remain subject to further refinement through ongoing design, technical review, permitting and budgeting.
Presentation from the March 11, 2026 Conceptual Design Open House available to view here!
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.
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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