Construction Beginning February 2024
We are pleased to inform you that construction of the Peabody School Playground Improvements Project is set to commence. This project contract, which includes an upgrade of existing play features with new Bankshot inclusive basketball system, regrading to ensure an accessible surface, and new tree plantings, has been awarded to Argus Construction.
Construction activities will begin with mobilization and the installation of temporary construction fencing the week of Monday, February 5, 2024.
Abutters on Yerxa Road should take note of No Parking signs posted 48 hours in advance to assist construction vehicles in maneuvering into the site.
The contractor, Argus Construction, is currently finalizing a more detailed construction schedule, which will be provided to residents and abutters in an additional notice. This schedule will outline key milestones and activities.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Peabody School Playground Improvements Project construction, please reach out to Kristen Kelleher, Community Relations Manager, at kkelleher@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4825
Concept Plans
Click here to view concepts for the playground improvements project.
Community Meeting Presentation Recording and Additional Engagement
A recording of the presentation from the community meeting is now available.
Click here to view the meeting recording.
Passcode: b7R@x+6.
We are also holding engagement opportunities to provide feedback on the project concept:
- Virtual Drop-in Q&A/Feedback Sessions
These will be informal sessions that community members can drop in (virtually) to ask questions or provide feedback on the project. While not required, we encourage you to view the recorded presentation ahead of the meeting. We will be holding two time options:
Session 1: Tuesday, November 15, 6 PM to 7 PM
Click here to register for this drop-in session
Session 2: Friday, November 18, 7 AM to 8 AM
Click here to register for this drop-in session
- In-Person Drop-in Sessions
Project staff will be on-site in the lobby of the Peabody School the morning of Tuesday, November 15 for an informal open house-style discussion about the plans for the playground.
- Virtual Office Hours
We will continue to hold virtual office hours as a flexible option for people to provide feedback or ask questions about the playground plans. Click here to sign up for virtual office hours with the project team.
Playground Improvements Project Community Meeting - Monday, November 07, 6:00 PM
Please join us for a community meeting to learn about the project, how we approach playground design, design goals for this project (guided by our study of the site and early engagement with stakeholders), and to view our design concept for the playground.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://cambridgema.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpdOiqpj8pHtcF-HhVbong8tm7M2ZwN-Ar
When: Nov 7, 2022 - 06:00 PM - 7:30 PM
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
For those not able to attend at this time, a recording of the meeting will be available and additional ways to provide feedback will be added to the project page.
Project Design Goals
We have been studying the area so we can present ideas this fall. The new design will address the following areas:
• Shade and Protection From Heat: Right now, the playground is in the sun most of the day and doesn’t have much shade. We’d like to add some, either with trees or coverings.
• Inclusive Design: We want the site to be able to kids of all abilities to play—together!
• Different Types of Play, Movement Play: We’ve heard there is a need for more challenging play features on the younger side.
• Space for Learning Outdoors: There’s a desire for a space to bring the classroom outside.
We Want to Hear From You!
What do you think? Do these goals make sense? Are we missing anything important? Reach out to the project team to let us know!
This fall, we will be holding a community meeting and other engagement opportunities to present and hear feedback on a concept plan guided by these goals. Click here to sign up for our email list for updates and upcoming engagement opportunities.
The Peabody School will undergo a playground improvement project guided by the City's ongoing commitment to the goals of the Healthy Parks and Playgrounds Initiative.
The goals of the Healthy Parks and Playgrounds Initiative are to provide a diverse range of play opportunities throughout the city that are fun, physically challenging, creatively stimulating and socially engaging, and that serve different age groups, ability levels, and interests.
A community process will be conducted to discuss the City’s approach to the project and hear feedback from the school community and other playground users.