The City of Cambridge today announced plans to construct the Danehy Gateway Pavilion, a new state-of-the-art facility at Danehy Park. Located at 100 New Street, the 5,800 sq. ft. pavilion will serve Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS) sports teams and other teams practicing and competing at Danehy Park. In response to advocacy from female athletes and athletic staff, the facility will include new restrooms, changing and locker rooms, an athletic trainer’s office, a coach’s office, storage for athletic equipment, and multi-purpose space. Public restrooms will also be located at the facility, which will be a net zero emissions building and will feature public art.

“The Danehy Gateway Pavilion is the product of many important community conversations about the need for Cambridge’s female athletes, coaches, and staff to have better athletic amenities,” said Adam Corbeil, Director of Cambridge Recreation. “In addition to supporting Cambridge’s female athletes, we hope that the building will serve as a gateway for the entire community to enjoy all Danehy Park has to offer.

“This facility takes Danehy Park to the next level as far as community recreation and public school athletics,” said Kara Brown, CRLS Athletic Trainer. “This multi-purpose facility addresses concerns for safety while providing a space for staff to support our athletes’ pursuit of excellence.”

“Having a facility at Danehy Park where athletes can change, get medical treatment, and flee from lightning is something we are very excited about,” said Meg Willette, Head Coach of CRLS Girls High School Varsity Soccer. “This facility will increase comfort for visiting teams, refs, and supporters, which will truly give our students a sense of pride and value.”

In addition to the new facility, the Danehy Gateway Pavilion project will include lighting improvements to Danehy Dog Park, the renovation of New Street parking lot, landscape improvements, and public internet access. As a net zero emissions project, the Danehy Gateway Pavilion will target LEED Gold new construction and Passive House Certification. It will include a solar photovoltaic array and provisions for future electric vehicle charging stations.

“This project represents the City’s collaborative approach to addressing community concerns through innovative solutions,” said Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang. “In addition to supporting our young athletes, the Danehy Park Gateway Pavilion will enhance the open space experience for all community members at one of Cambridge’s most beloved parks.”

The Danehy Gateway Pavilion project is currently in the design phase, with a construction start targeted for January 2024. A community meeting will be held in late spring to provide an overview of the project’s design and timeline.

The project is a collaboration of the Department of Public Works and the Department of Human Service Programs Recreation Division. For more information, visit www.cambridgema.gov/DanehyGatewayPavilion.