Description
The City of Cambridge and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) recently made the decision to open Riverbend Park on both Saturdays and Sundays by closing Memorial Drive from Eliot Bridge to Western Avenue for pedestrian and cyclist use.
Stop by Wheeler Park/New Riverside Neighborhood Park on Tuesday, June 28, any time between 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to give your feedback on this program and to discuss broader traffic and transportation issues in your neighborhood.
We’ll have lemonade, snacks, and City staff on hand to answer your questions. Afterwards, we’ll share your feedback about Memorial Drive with DCR. Come chat with us! No need to come for the entire two hours--just stop by when you can!
Can’t make it? Fill out our survey at camb.ma/riversidetransportation and we'll share your feedback with DCR. The survey will close on July 8, 2022.
Memorial Drive: FAQ
Why is Memorial Drive closed on weekends?
“Riverbend Park” is the portion of Memorial Drive from Gerry’s Landing Road to Western Avenue that is closed to motor vehicle traffic on weekends for pedestrian and cyclist use. For almost 40 years, Memorial Drive has been closed on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from the end of April until mid-November. In 2020 and 2021, Memorial Drive was closed on both Saturdays and Sundays, and that has continued in 2022.
What are the recent changes?
Until 2020, Memorial Drive was only closed to create Riverbend Park on Sundays. In 2020 and 2021, DCR opened the park on Sundays as well. Now, Memorial Drive is closed from Saturday at 8 a.m. to Sunday at 7 p.m., including on Saturday evening.
Who is in charge of the closures?
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is in charge of Riverbend Park and Memorial Drive. While Memorial Drive Sunday closures are codified into state law, DCR can choose to close or open the roadway at other times, and has chosen to expand closures all weekend.
What can the City do?
Because the City of Cambridge does not own Memorial Drive, we cannot implement changes directly, although DCR has generally followed the City’s request. We are collecting and sharing public feedback with the department for their consideration.
I can't make it to the drop-in hours! Can I still give feedback and ask questions?
Yes! Fill out our survey at camb.ma/riversidetransportation and we'll share your feedback with DCR. The survey will close on July 8, 2022.