City's Department of Human Service Programs Launches Fall on the Fields, Outdoor Activities for Jk-8th Graders Sept. 21 – Oct. 30

The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) launched today its "Fall on the Fields," a series of free, outdoor experiences for Cambridge JK-8th graders, from September 21-October 30, from 3-6 p.m. on weekdays, at Danehy Park, Rindge, Hoyt, Donnelly, and Sennott Fields.

"I am so pleased that we can provide opportunities for kids and families to engage in safe and fun activities this fall," said City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. "Our DHSP team has been collaborating with Cambridge Public Health Department to develop outdoor programming that meets COVID-19 safety practices while allowing our youth to explore music, dance, sports, and arts and crafts in an engaging, supervised environment."

In preparation for today's official kick-off of the program, DHSP staff conducted two preview days on September 16-17 that attracted well over 300 children.

“I’m incredibly proud of the hard work the staff has put into rethinking how we engage with the community,” said Ellen Semonoff Assistant City Manager for Human Services. “We are very excited to kick off this outdoor series."

“This year has affected all of us, but our children and youth have been pulled from their friends and classrooms, and they are needing outdoor activities to support their social and emotional wellness,” said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui “I am excited for the fall programming DHSP has developed to provide additional fun and interactive, outdoor activities for Cambridge kids and families.”

Supervised by DHSP staff, the daily experiences will include recreation and games, arts and music, and opportunities to move, play, explore, and create in a safe and supervised environment. Families can register each day at the field.

"Our fall outdoor programming is designed to get kids who have been trapped inside outdoors," said Recreation Director Adam Corbeil. "Getting outside is good for your mind and body. Never underestimate the power of play."

Below are the Fall Recreation Guidelines, including COVID-19 safety protocols that will be in place:

• Parent/guardians are required to be present at all times for children ages 8 and below.
• Everyone must always wear a mask at and around the fields.
• Staff will be wearing DHSP t-shirts; please check in each day at sign in desk when you arrive and leave the fields.
• All participants must have completed a Registration Form for contact tracing and safety reasons.
• All participants will be required to wear a mask and maintain the proper social distancing while on the field and participating in DHSP activities (masks will not be provided). Restrooms are located on or near fields and are available for participants only. Staff will escort children to and from the restrooms.
• We strongly encourage students to bring their own snack and full water bottles labeled with their name. Refilling water bottles may not be possible. 
• Groups are limited so they can be carefully spaced apart. Activities will be low touch to reduce contact and increase safety.
• First Aid supplies will be available for any minor injuries. In the event of a medical need, 911 and guardian will be called. No medications will be administered by City staff. 
• Each day, young people will be able to choose from an assortment of activities.
• Inclement weather may cause park activity cancellations for the day. Please check : weather reports that day and anticipate possible cancellations accordingly. We will do our best to notify families when a cancellation is necessary.

For more information, visit the DHSP website, CambridgeMA.gov/DHSP.

Photo: City of Cambridge Recreation Director Adam Corbeil (far left) and Donnelly Field Site Leader Larry Thompson (far right) advise Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale and Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui of the activities kids will be participating in at the Fall on the Field Kickoff. Photo by Kyle Klein.