Danehy Gateway Pavilion Project
The Danehy Gateway Pavilion project, a collaboration between the Department of Public Works and the Department of Human Service Programs Recreation Division, is the construction of a new sports pavilion (5,800 sq. ft.) and other improvements to Danehy Park. Located at 100 New Street, the pavilion will serve sports teams from Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS) and the community. The facility will provide female athletes with more equitable access to amenities, including new restrooms, changing and locker rooms, an athletic trainer’s room, a coach’s office, storage for athletic equipment, and multi-purpose space. The pavilion will also provide public restrooms for park visitors.
Additionally, the project scope includes lighting improvements to Danehy Dog Park, the provision of fiber optic to enable public internet access in the park, landscape improvements, and renovation of the existing New Street Parking Lot.
The project will be net‐zero emissions (all electric) and will target LEED Gold new construction and Passive House Certification. It will include a solar photovoltaic array and provisions for future electric vehicle charging stations.
The project is currently in the design phase.
[RESCHEDULED] Create Habitat to Support Biodiversity Year-Round (Main/Virtual)
Learn how to garden to support pollinators, birds and other species so they can overwinter, reproduce, and thrive year-round.
Amy will cover specifics of how to:
Provide food, water, shelter and nesting sites
Build healthy soil
Remove invasive plants
Avoid chemical use
Minimize nighttime light
Reduce your lawn
Create year-round beauty in your garden
This is a hybrid event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event. The in-person event will take place in the Community Room.
CANCELLED: Summer Reading: Bug Walk (Boudreau)
This event has been cancelled due to extreme heat. We encourage you to sign up for our next Bug Walk on July 15th.
Join us for a walk at Fresh Pond as we explore the wonderful world of bugs! This program is open to all ages, from adults to children and their caregivers.
Registration is required. We will meet at the Cambridge Water Department parking lot at the beginning of the event.
For more information, contact Michael McGlathery at mmcglathery@cambridgema.gov or call the Boudreau Branch at 617-349-4017.
News and Current Projects
On the News and Current Projects page, we describe the art conservation program's year-round active care for Cambridge's public art collection. Here we feature the most recent exciting projects.
Climate Action Book Club (Collins)
Join the Collins Branch Library in collaboration with the Cambridge Climate Leaders Initiative for a monthly discussion of a climate-related topic. Each month the group will discuss a book on the topic at hand then hear about a related local program or initiative and how you can take action.
Topic: Water in a Warming World
Book: The High House by Jessie Greengrass
Meetings will be held on the fourth Thursday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m. Copies of the book will be available at the Collins Branch during library hours.
Registration is encouraged, but not required. For more information contact Jo at jpercell@cambridgema.gov.
CPL Nature Club - Spring Birdwatching at Fresh Pond (O'Neill)
All ages are welcome to join us as we observe birds at Fresh Pond. We will look for birds migrating to or through our area as well as year-round resident birds. As we walk we will discuss general birdwatching tips and learn more about the birds we share our outdoor spaces with. A limited supply of binoculars will be available.
Registration is required for this event.
The walk will meet outside the ranger station/water department building at Fresh Pond: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G1bJGhMG17mAaFgL9
In case of inclement weather, this event will be canceled.
For more information, contact the O'Neill Branch at 617-349-4023.
CANCELED: CPL Nature Club - Spring Birdwatching at Fresh Pond (O'Neill)
All ages are welcome to join us as we observe birds at Fresh Pond. We will look for birds migrating to or through our area as well as year-round resident birds. As we walk we will discuss general birdwatching tips and learn more about the birds we share our outdoor spaces with. A limited supply of binoculars will be available.
Registration is required for this event.
The walk will meet outside the ranger station/water department building at Fresh Pond: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G1bJGhMG17mAaFgL9
In case of inclement weather, this event will be canceled.
For more information, contact the O'Neill Branch at 617-349-4023.
[New Date] Branch Walk [55+] (O'Connell)
Meet neighborhood locations and greet your neighbors! Join Stefanie Haug, local mindful nature guide, as we explore Cambridge one neighborhood at a time, with a local library branch as our home base. These leisurely walks blend local history, nature, and contemplative practices, with lots of time to pause and share. Participants are encouraged to bring their own neighborhood stories, discover something new, and build connections with people and places.
The our final neighborhood walk through East Cambridge, launching from the lovely O'Connell Library. The walk will conclude at Elmendorf Baking Store & Cafe close to the library.
What to bring: layered clothing, comfortable shoes and water.
Where to meet: At the O'Connell Branch entrance.
Registration is requested but not required.
Wednesday Evening Weed-Out
Love Fresh Pond Reservation? Give back to our urban oasis: volunteer!
The beauty and ecological health of our Reservation requires constant care! Invasive weeds, which threaten wildlife habitat and Fresh Pond’s forests, meadows and wetlands, are a top concern. Volunteer weeding events are ongoing throughout the fall. Beginners are welcome. Learn about local botany and ecology while helping the Reservation! Long sleeves and pants are recommended to prevent contact with poison ivy. Tecnu will be available. Temporary parking permits will be available for free for volunteers coming from out of town.
Wednesday evening weeding sessions occur through September, meeting at the trailer in the Cambridge Water Department parking lot at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway.
City of Cambridge Closures, Service and Traffic Information for Independence Day Holiday on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4
City of Cambridge offices, libraries, and senior centers will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. The hours for the Gold Star Pool on Berkshire Street have been extended Thursday, July 2 - Sunday, July 5 (including July 4th) from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. In the event that the pool reaches capacity, swim times may be limited. Curbside collection of trash, recycling, food waste, and yard waste will still take place on Friday, July 3. If you are going to enjoy the fireworks and Boston Pops show from the Cambridge side, plan ahead and make sure you bring lawn and beach chairs, and water to stay hydrated.