Glacken Field

The Tot-lot at Glacken Field will be closed on Wednesday, June 22nd and reopen on Friday, June 24th

The City’s contractor will be painting in the Tot-lot area beginning Wednesday, June 22, 2022.

Work will include painting a creative dot design on the ground in the tot-lot for visitors to enjoy while using chalk art.

During this work access to the tot-lot playground will be CLOSED.

The tot-lot is expected to reopen on Friday, June 24th.

Join Us for the Grand Opening of Glacken Field and Tot Lot! 

Update on Glacken Field and Tot Lot Reconstruction

August 2021: installation of pavers, blocks, and fencing in the play area.

September 2021: installation of rubber surfacing and landscaping in the play area.

October 2021: anticipated reopening of the play area.

Update on Glacken Field and Tot Lot Reconstruction - March 2021

Little League Fields:

• Rear Field:
• Musco lighting installed.  Working with Eversource to complete power.
• Fully fenced and both dugouts installed. The back stop, netting and other accessories are at the contractor’s shop and will be installed by the end of April.
• Spectator seating 80% complete.
• Fields are partially graded.
• Sod scheduled for end of April / early May. This will allow for a couple of mows and also for the sod to set well before the July 1 first pitch date. 

• Forward Field:
• Fencing 50% complete.
• One dugout installed.  The back stop, netting and other accessories are at the contractor’s shop and will be installed by the end of April.
• Field is currently being used as a laydown area for the reclaimed topsoil.  The topsoil will be used on site over the 4 to 6 weeks.
• Sod scheduled for end of April / early May. This will allow for a couple of mows and also for the sod to set well before the July 1 first pitch date. 

Construction Progress on the Playground and Other Site Amenities:

• The rear slope work is substantially completed.  The trees that were removed from this area are being used in the playground at Glacken, as well as in the Universal Design Playground at Danehy that is currently under construction.

• Irrigation is installed.   

• The mound feature close to Huron Avenue has been graded.  The majority of the curbing and precast blocks being used on the stepping paths up the hill are being delivered in the next 2 weeks. The block art features are currently being developed.  Once all blocks are received, they will be installed, likely mid to late summer.

• The playground area is graded and prepped for equipment, which is at the contractor’s yard.  Anticipate equipment being installed in next 4 to 6 weeks. 

• The contractor in the next couple of weeks will need to use the parking lane between Holworthy St and Glacken as for a lay down area for precast structures, as the fields and playground are nearing completion. 

Huron Avenue Fresh Pond Parkway to Glacken:

• Staff have worked diligently to complete the design of Huron Avenue that will provide a fully accessible sidewalk on Huron Avenue between Fresh Pond Parkway and Glacken, additional pedestrian crossings from the neighborhood to the Fresh Pond Reservation and a two-way protected bike facility along Huron Avenue.  These are key safety improvements in the area.
• The sidewalk is scheduled to be completed this year fall, with the remaining street and bicycle improvements continuing through next year.

Community Presentation for Glacken Field / Huron Ave Connectivity

The video presentation for the community meeting on Thursday, February 25th is available to view. Residents who wish to submit questions in advance of the meeting may do so to  kriley@cambridgema.gov. Advance questions, as well as new questions received “live”, will be answered during the meeting.

Community Meeting Notice: Please join City staff on Thursday, February 25th at 6PM to discuss connectivity from Huron Ave to Glacken Field

Construction on Glacken Field is proceeding well and we are on schedule to complete the new baseball fields by July 1 and the tot-lot by the end of the summer.

As part of this project, the City is committed to providing safe connections for people walking, biking and taking the bus along Huron Avenue to access Fresh Pond Reservation, Glacken Field and the neighborhood.

City staff has been working with the Water Board and the Fresh Pond Advisory Board to develop concept plans to provide

• a pedestrian path along the reservation between Fresh Pond Parkway and Glacken Field
• 3 new pedestrian crossings connecting the neighborhood with Fresh Pond Reservation
• improved bus stops that are fully ADA compliant
• a two-way separated bicycle facility between Fresh Pond Parkway and Glacken Field, consistent with the Cambridge Bicycle Plan and the City’s Cycling Safety Ordinance. 

The plan provides the critical pedestrian and bicycle connections while minimizing impacts on the natural resources of Fresh Pond Reservation.

We invite you to join us on Thursday, February 25th from 6pm to 7:30pm for a virtual community meeting to provide feedback on the plans and review the project schedule.

The meeting can be accessed through this link:
https://cambridgema.zoom.us/j/88361306523
Dial in: US: +1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 883 6130 6523

There will be a video presentation played at the start of the meeting. The presentation will also be posted online on the project page on Friday, February 19th, so that residents who wish to submit questions in advance of the meeting may do so. Advance questions, as well as new questions received “live”, will be answered during the meeting. Advance question may be sent to Kristen Kelleher, Project Administrator - Community Relations at kkelleher@cambridgema.gov.

Glacken Field & Playground and Slope Restoration Project: Plant protection fencing installation

As part of the Glacken Field & Playground and Slope Restoration Project, the City’s contractor, Argus Construction, will install plant protection fencing surrounding the slope area along Huron Ave from Holworthy St. to the Fresh Pond Golf Course. This installation will be taking place over the next few weeks.

This area will be closed off at street level until Spring 2021, in order to allow the slope to stabilize and vegetation to take place. There will be no access throughout the winter season. Please use caution and plan to follow crossings to access Fresh Pond Reservation. This work will have very limited parking impacts.

What to Expect During Construction:
•General work hours are M-F, 7AM-4PM.
•Construction impacts and staging will be generally confined to the project site.
•Access to the field area and tot-lot will be prohibited for the duration of the project.
•Limited No-parking signs will be posted to allow for construction vehicles to enter and exit the site. Please refer to posted signs.

For more information on this project or to be added to the project email list to receive future notices, please visit: www.cambridgema.gov/Glackenfield and www.cambridgema.gov/Water/Projects/freshpondreservation/glackenslopeimprovementproject

Information & Assistance:
If you have any questions regarding construction, please contact Kate Riley, Community Relations Manager, at 617-349-4870/ kriley@cambridgema.gov or Brian McLane, Project Manager, at 617-945-4084/ Bmclane@cambridgema.gov.

Thank you in advance for your patience during this construction.

Notice: Glacken Field &Playground and Slope Restoration Project - Field work scheduled to begin the week of June 29th

With the tree removals compete, the general contractor, Argus Construction, will be mobilizing to the site to begin the full renovation on Monday, June 29^th.

Work will begin on site, Monday, June 29^th. The tot-lot and the field area will remain closed for the duration of the project.

This project is scheduled to be completed in early Fall 2021. The City is working with the Contactor, Argus Construction, to develop a schedule and evaluate opportunities to mitigate potential delays related to the COVID-19 Pandemic and will look for opportunities for a phased opening of areas as they are completed. 

This project consists of the establishment of two little league fields with a perimeter multiuse path, complete renovation of the tot-lot and water play area and slope restoration work in the adjacent Fresh Pond Renovation. 

Contractors are required to follow the safety guidelines established by the State and submit their COVID-19 Control Plans to City.  Argus Construction’s plan has been accepted and they are permitted to proceed with work.

The City will continue to work on options for bike and pedestrian connections on Huron Ave. between Fresh Pond Parkway and Glacken Field. A community meeting will be held in the fall. 

What to expect during construction:

• General work hours are M-F, 7AM-4PM.
• Construction impacts and staging will be generally confined to the project site.
• Access to the field area and tot-lot will be prohibited for the duration of the project.
• Access to Reservation paths and amenities from the field area will be prohibited.
• No-parking signs will be posted along Huron Ave to allow for construction vehicles to enter and exit the site.  Please refer to posted signs.
• Adjacent tennis court and basketball courts will generally remain open with pedestrian access from the Golf Course parking area.  Intermittent closures for fence work can be expected as the project progresses.

For more information on this project or to be added to the project email list to receive future notices, please visit: www.cambridgema.gov/Glackenfield and www.cambridgema.gov/Water/Projects/freshpondreservation/glackenslopeimprovementproject

Information & Assistance:

If you have any questions regarding construction, please contact Kate Riley, Community Relations Manager, at 617-349-4870 / kriley@cambridgema.gov or Brian McLane, Project Manager, at 617-945-4084 / Bmclane@cambridgema.gov.

Thank you in advance for your patience during this construction.

Notice: Glacken Field & Playground and Slope Restoration Project Construction - Activities to Begin June 5th

The City has awarded the Glacken Field & Playground and Slope Restoration Construction Project to Argus Construction Corp. Argus has successfully completed a number of projects in Cambridge and we are excited to have them on board for this construction. Construction activities at Glacken Field will begin Friday June 5th.

Beginning Friday June 5th – Removal of Invasive Black Locust Trees

Maltby Tree, will be mobilizing for the removal of 46 invasive Black Locust trees to support the Slope Restoration Program. This program will restore an area of slope adjacent to the field through the establishment of a tiered native understory and replenish the canopy with a tree planting program.

The tree work is scheduled to start on Friday, June 5th and is anticipated to take one week to complete. The harvested wood will be sustainably used for play structures in this and other Cambridge projects. The first phase of work will impact the field area and the adjacent wooded slope.

Mid to Late June – Argus mobilizing for Glacken Field & Playground and Slope Restoration Project

Following the tree removals, Argus will be mobilizing in mid to late June to start the reconstruction project. City staff is currently working with Argus to develop their overall construction phasing and we will share more information in the coming weeks.

Consistent with the State Safety Standards and Cambridge’s Amended Temporary Construction Order, Argus will be submitting a COVID-19 Control Plan outlining their approach to Social Distancing; Hygiene Protocols; Staffing & Operations; and Cleaning & Disinfecting.

During Construction:

• access to the field area will be limited

• access to Fresh Pond Reservation through the field will be limited

• some restrictions to the paths connecting Glacken Field to the main Reservation Path may be imposed

• please obey ALL posted signage

Information & Assistance:

Questions regarding this project or the upcoming Construction? Contact Kara Falise, Project Manager, at 617.349.4827/ kfalise@cambridgema.gov, Kate Riley, Community Relations Manager, at 617-349-4870 / kriley@cambridgema.gov or David Kaplan, Watershed Manager, at 617-349-4799 / dkaplan@cambridgema.gov. If you have any special need or disability, please contact us to arrange for special accommodations that may be necessary.

For more information on this project or to be added to the project email list to receive future notices,
please visit: www.cambridgema.gov/GlackenField and https://www.cambridgema.gov/Water/Projects/freshpondreservation/glackenslopeimprovementproject

The following email was sent May 28, 2020

Dear Neighbor,

On March 18^th, Cambridge issued a Temporary Emergency Construction Moratorium to limit construction in the City to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.   Last week, the City issued an Amended Temporary Emergency Construction Order to allow construction to restart in a phased approach in the coming weeks.   

What does this mean for construction in my neighborhood?

Beginning this week, you may start to see some construction activity related to site safety preparations, including installation of hand wash stations and other site modifications related to COVID-19 safety precautions. Beginning June 1^st, you may start to see increased activity on your street related to the re-starting of construction. We will be in touch via additional notices with a schedule and information specific to the project on your street.

Residents should be aware that No Parking signs will start to appear in relation to construction activity. Contractors will make every effort to provide 48-hours’ notice, but please check the street frequently.

COVID-19 Control Plan for Construction:

In addition to the stringent safety guidelines required by the State, all contractors will need to submit to the Inspectional Services Department or Department of Public Works, as appropriate, a COVID-19 Control Plan for Cambridge on permitted projects. This plan will require:

•  A cleaning and decontamination checklist; The number of workers expected on the job site; and
•  No non-essential personnel may be present at the worksite.
•  Additionally, contractors will be encouraged, and in some cases required, to conduct a site-specific risk analysis and enhanced COVID-19 safety plan for more complex projects.

As previously announced on May 18, the City of Cambridge will expand currently allowed construction activity in the City in four phases:

• Phase 1, beginning May 25, will add site safety prep work for projects previously permitted by Inspectional Services (ISD) and Public Works (DPW). Forthcoming amendments to the City’s Temporary Emergency Construction Order issued on March 18 will modify the definition of essential construction to include work associated with COVID-19 restaurant modification needed to allow them to safely reopen;
• Phase 2, beginning on June 1, will add horizontal construction, city building projects, 100% affordable housing developments, larger buildings (over 25,000 square feet) previously permitted by ISD or DPW;
• Phase 3, tentatively beginning on June 15, will add all remaining existing construction previously permitted by ISD and DPW; and
• Phase 4, tentatively beginning on June 29, will add new permits. Permits can be submitted, and pre-reviews will occur at any time, but permits will not be formally accepted or issued until this date.

For additional details on the Amended Temporary Emergency Construction Order, please click here. 

Open House Project Plans Posted

The Playground Plan and Site Plan from the February13th meeting have been posted in the "Documents" tab of this project page.

Notice: Glacken Field & Playground Renovation Project - Design Review Open House

Join us Thursday, February 13, 2020 from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM at the Haggerty School Cafeteria at 110 Cushing Street.

Construction Notice: Glacken Field & Playground Renovation Project - Concrete Bleacher Removal

Meeting Presentation Posted

The presentation and associated documents from the November 7th meeting have been posted in the "Documents" tab of this project page. 

Notice: Glacken Field & Playground Renovation Project - Community Meeting #2 - Tot Lot Design

Please join us for a community meeting for this project on Thursday, November 7th, 6:30PM-8PM, Russell Youth Center, 680 Huron Ave.

At this meeting, we will:

• Review community survey feedback
• View and discuss design opportunities for Tot Lot renovation and water play area
• Provide brief update on design progress for the field area
• Review schedule for design and construction

To be added to the project email list, please visit the "Contact" tab of this project page. 

For questions about this project or the upcoming community meeting, please contact:

• Kara Falise - Project Manager, kfalise@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4827
• Kate Riley - Community Relations Manager, kriley@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4870

Meeting Presentation Posted

The presentation from the September 26th meeting has been posted in the "Documents" tab of this project page.

Notice: Glacken Field & Playground Renovation Project - Community Meeting #1 - Project Introduction

Please join us for a community meeting for this project on Thursday, September 26th, 6:30PM-8PM, Russell Youth Center, 680 Huron Ave. 

At this meeting, we will:

• Discuss and seek input on design for Tot Lot renovation and waterplay area
• Discuss plans to upgrade the playing fields into two new Little League fields for West Cambridge Little League, which is being relocated from the Tobin School
• Review schedule for design and construction

To be added to the project email list, please visit the "Contact" tab of this project page. 

For questions about this project or the upcoming community meeting, please contact:

• Kara Falise - Project Manager, kfalise@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4827
• Kate Riley - Community Relations Manager, kriley@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4870

October 2021: Anticipated reopening of the play area

Spring 2021: Construction scheduled to begin.

Fall 2019: Community process and design

• Huron Ave - Construction Plans
• huronavecommunityplans_21721
• Parking Map October 2021
• huronavecommunitypresentationpdf_2182021
• glackenupdatenotice_05292020
• Final Playground Plan
• Final Site Plan
• glacken_meeting2_presentationfinal
• preferredoptionwithoutbleachers
• fencinglayout_191106
• glacken_meeting1_presentationfinal
• Glacken Field First Meeting Flyer

Kara Falise - Senior Engineer

617-349-4827

kfalise@cambridgema.gov

Kate Riley - Community Relations Manager

617-349-4870

kriley@cambridgema.gov