Obtain a Danehy Park Picnic Area Permit

There are two Picnic Areas (view map) at Danehy Park that Cambridge residents can reserve to host gatherings of 30 - 100 people between May 1 and November 1. Permits are required to reserve these spaces. If you are interested in reserving a Picnic Area, fill out a Danehy Park Picnic Area Permit Request Form.

Picnic Permit requests are accepted beginning March 15, 2024.

Picnic Area permits are granted for the following 4-hour time slots:

Before Labor Day: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. or 4 – 8 p.m.
After Labor Day: 12 – 4 p.m.

If you have questions, please contact Tom Cusick, Cambridge Recreation, at tcusick@cambridgema.gov

How to Start

Fill out the Danehy Park Picnic Area Permit Request Form
Proof of Cambridge residency from the person seeking the permit is required.
Submit your completed permit request form to Tom Cusick, Recreation Division, one of the following ways:
- Email: tcusick@cambridgema.gov
- By mail or in-person drop off:
  Department of Human Service Programs
  Attn: Tom Cusick / Recreation
  51 Inman Street, 3^rd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02138
You will receive a response to your permit request within 2 business days
If you have questions about the permit application process, contact Tom Cusick at 617-349-6238 or tcusick@cambridgema.gov

Requirements

The person seeking the Picnic Area permit must be a Cambridge resident.
The Picnic Area permit fee is $25.00.
100 people is the maximum number of guests allowed in the Picnic Area.
The use of grill or cooking equipment in Picnic Areas is prohibited.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages is NOT permitted at Danehy Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grill or cook food at the Danehy Park picnic areas?

No. The use of grill or cooking equipment in the Picnic Areas is prohibited.

Can I play music?

Yes. If you plan to play music with an amplified sound device, you must obtain an entertainment license from the Cambridge License Commission prior to use.

What happens during inclement weather?

Cambridge Recreation staff determine usability of all fields, including Danehy Park’s Picnic Areas, during inclement weather. To confirm field conditions and cancellations at Danehy Park call (617) 349-4895. For all other locations, call (617) 349-6238.

How do I host an event at a City park?

Cambridge residents may host events in City parks, plazas, streets or sidewalks with a permit. The type of permit and steps you must take depend on what type of event you intend to host. Click here to learn more.