The Muscle Behind the Hustle: Meet the Crew that Maintains Danehy Park

This past September marked the 35th anniversary of Danehy Park. Since the expansive recreational space opened in 1990, it has become a favorite destination for Cambridge residents and visitors. Whether you come to play or watch athletics, travel the walking paths connecting Alewife and North Cambridge neighborhoods, explore the park’s two playgrounds, marvel at the Miyawaki forest, relax in the picnic areas, or enjoy annual events, Danehy Park is a place that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. And what better way to celebrate this cornerstone of the Cambridge community than to meet the team that keeps Danehy Park thriving?

“We like to say we’re the muscle behind the hustle,” says Keith Fay, Danehy Park’s site supervisor. Fay works alongside Frankie DeJesus, Shyee Douglas, Chris Febles, Giddeon Gonzalez, Dave Hintlian, Taquaine Mason, Scot Megan, Mike Spartichino, and Jacob Witty. The crew is part of the Department of Human Service Programs’ Recreation Division, and collectively they manage the daily operation and maintenance of Danehy Park.

A typical day begins at 6 a.m., when the team assesses the 55-acre complex. They spend the early morning watering grass, making repairs, and disposing of trash. Around 9 a.m., the team holds a staff meeting to make a gameplan for upcoming projects, like event set up or field reconstruction. Afternoons in the fall and spring are devoted to preparing Danehy’s seven athletic fields. Thursdays are “cut days,” when the crew mows grass, grooms turf, and repaints lines by 2 p.m., before athletes take the field for practices or games. Danehy staff stay into the evening to operate field lights and scoreboards.

Read the full story on the City's Digital Publications site. 

Photo: Members of the Danehy Park maintenance crew outside of the park’s facility building. From left to right: Taquaine Mason, Frankie DeJesus, Mike Spartichino, Scot Megan, Keith Faye, Chris Febles, and Shyee Douglas.