Cambridge has announced the opening of Triangle Park, an innovative urban oasis designed to boost the city's tree canopy and provide a tranquil haven for residents, workers, and visitors. The new park, located in East Cambridge is part of the city's ongoing commitment to green spaces and a forward-thinking urban environment. A public celebration is scheduled for September 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m, according to the City of Cambridge.
Tucked between Binney Street, First Street, and Edwin H. Land Boulevard, Triangle Park's design emphasizes tree planting and canopy growth. East Cambridge has the lowest tree canopy among all Cambridge neighborhoods, and Triangle Park employs a micro-forest planting approach with nearly 400 trees filling its less than one-acre footprint.
In a recent statement, City Manager Yi-An Huang stated: "Our parks are such an important part of what makes Cambridge a great place to live, work, and visit." He also acknowledged the collaboration between the city, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, and community members in realizing Triangle Park.
The park follows the guidelines of the city's Urban Forest Master Plan, and Public Works Commissioner Kathy Watkins described its significance: "It also allowed us to try some new approaches for how we think about open spaces and planting trees in the city. As the trees and plantings grow in over time, this unique park will provide an incredible shaded space in the heart of Kendall Square for residents and visitors to enjoy." Triangle Park's passive-use design includes concrete seat walls, lawn spaces, an urban grove with seating, and a multi-purpose timber deck for lounging and seating that can also serve as a small performance stage.
Triangle Park is the latest in a series of new parks sprouting up in the East Cambridge area. In September 2021, the Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. Park opened its gates as the first of three such parks in development. Alexandria Real Estate Equities funded and provided the land for both parks, highlighting a commitment to community development and green spaces. As Assistant City Manager for Community Development Iram Farooq said, "Triangle Park is the realization of the shared vision of the City and the community to transform a vacant lot that previously worked as a traffic island to a green oasis in Kendall Square."
