Human Service Programs > Recreation > Danehy Park

Danehy Park

Mayor Thomas W. Danehy Park ("Danehy Park") is a popular, 50-acre park in north Cambridge. For more than 30 years, residents and visitors have enjoyed the park’s athletic fields, walking paths, playgrounds, public art, dog park, and community events. The park is also home to the Louis A. DePasquale Universal Design Playground, a 30,000 sq. ft. play area designed to prioritize accessibility.

Danehy Park is managed by the Department of Human Service Programs' Recreation Division. Recreation staff coordinate with the Department of Public Works, the Community Development Department and other agencies to keep the beloved park a safe and enjoyable place for residents and visitors to enjoy a range of recreational activities.

Reserve a Picnic Area at Danehy Park

Between May 1 and November 1, Cambridge residents can reserve picnic areas at Danehy Park for gatherings of 30 - 100 people. (View Danehy Park Picnic Areas)
A permit is required to reserve the space.

Request a Danehy Park Picnic Area Permit

Reserve an Athletic Field at Danehy Park

Permits are required for use of any City of Cambridge athletic field, including Danehy Park. Fields can be used for a variety of athletic activities, and non-athletic activity requests will also be considered. Priority is given to Cambridge youth organizations and City-sponsored programs.
Athletic Field Permit requests are accepted beginning February 1 for Spring and Summer field requests and beginning July 1 for Fall field requests.

Request an Athletic Field Permit

Louis A. DePasquale Playground

Louis A DePasquale Universal Design Playground Photo by Cambridge Arts

The Louis A. DePasquale Playground, located at Danehy Park between Field Street and the Briston Arms residential complex, is the first playground in Cambridge to fully incorporate Universal Design (UD), the concept that all parts should be as usable as possible by everyone. The design of the 30,000 sq. ft. play area takes physical, sensory, cognitive, and emotional abilities into consideration to create an environment that is welcoming to people of all ages and abilities.

Features include: a Swing Zone, Spin Zone, and Climbing Slope; Junior and Senior Play areas; a Sensory Walk Zone and Sensory Hilltop; a Splash Pad, and public art installations designed by local artists.

Learn More!