EDIT: You can read a summary of our comments to the report here.

The City Manager report has been released. It largely repeats what we had been told before, without addressing community concerns and specific questions raised by residents. It still lacks transparency about data collection, alternative solutions, costs, and it does not address microplastics nor heat impacts. Moreover the City Manager acknowledged in an email that the decision for artificial turf was made prior to asking for community input.

We must ACT NOW:

• Speak Monday, June 8 - City Council Meeting 5:30pm
  It would be great to have an array of voices of all ages making public comments! We need as many Cambridge residents to speak up as possible, even if you already spoke. This may be our only chance since it is the last regular meeting before the summer.
  • Sign up for public comment (in person or in Zoom) here. Sign up opens at 9:00am Friday 6/5, and closes at 6:00pm Monday. Include “CMA 2026-174 Ahern Field Report” on the “Agenda Item” field
  • You can meet us outside City Hall starting at 4:30pm with signs (make one!)
  • During the meeting, we will coordinate babysitting activities outside the room, as needed
• E-mail the citycouncil@cambridgema.gov, Cc: cityclerk@cambridgema.gov and citymanager@cambridgema.gov  Bcc: saveahernfield@gmail.com (to help us keep track). Ask to not accept this report as fully responsive to AR 2026-30, and to put in a policy order to stop the design, demand a transparent, inclusive decision-making process, and require an evidence-based, side-by-side evaluation of natural grass and synthetic turf.
• Talk about our petition with one friend, neighbor, fellow commuter by Sunday. Direct them to us if they have questions. The more signatures we have, the more councillors will listen.
• Follow us on Facebook. Likes and comments help boost visibility. We will share a summary of issues. Email saveahernfield@gmail.com to directly receive this update. 

As we see in other parts of Cambridge, a well-maintained multi-use grassfield is possible! Why not in East Cambridge?

See you on Monday!