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Hot summers need COOL SPOTS. Where should we add shade?

In March 2024, Cambridge residents age 12+ voted in the city's Participatory Budgeting (PB) process to decide how to spend City funds to meet community needs.
 
One winning project will add shaded seating areas in public spaces. The goal is to create urban "cool spots" along hot, busy streets, specifically in places where healthy trees cannot grow. We want your input on shade structure locations! Where would you like to see shade structures on our streets and public spaces?
 
Stay cool out there!

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Here is a loose illustration of a shaded space to sit, gather, or play:

Here is a loose illustration of a shaded space to sit, gather, or play:

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* 1. What do you think are the best locations for new shaded spaces to sit, gather, or play? (Choose up to two locations.)

Descriptions of the locations listed above:
  • Lafayette Square: Urban plaza with high foot traffic and limited tree canopy coverage that provides open space for informal events and gatherings
  • Brattle Square Plaza: Mostly unshaded primary public space in Harvard Square with high foot traffic and space for informal events.
  • Dawes Island bus stop: Bus stop served by high frequency bus lines that has no shade or substantial waiting area for riders.
  • Public Patio @ Cambridge Street: Active public seating zone adjacent to Post Office and Albertine Press. One of three zones of public tables and chairs in Inman Square.
  • Joan Lorentz Park edge @ Broadway: Edge of an active and prominent park with some existing benches and seating ledges, adjacent to the Main Library and Cambridge Rindge and Latin School.
  • Gold Star Pool: Active summer recreational spot with hot concrete surface where no shade is provided.
  • Binney Street Park: New public space with large expanses of hardscape where shade would be beneficial.
  • Cambridge Street @ Grand Junction Railroad tracks: An unshaded public seating area along Cambridge Street in front of CHA Millers River Apartments adjacent to a bus stop.

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* 2. Do you have any other suggested locations for new shaded places to sit, gather, or play?

Note: We will only be considering sites that are owned by the City of Cambridge. This can include publicly owned streets, sidewalks, plazas, or park spaces along busy streets. Sites can include spaces with existing seating or with suitable space for new seating.

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* 3. Do you have any other comments or ideas?

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