Policy Order O-2

WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is blessed with a wealth of well-maintained parks and playgrounds dotted around the City; and

WHEREAS: Both the active and passive parks in the City of Cambridge offer oases where citizens  can relax, socialize, and engage in recreational activities; and

WHEREAS: Encouraging citizens to make use of the parks and their many facilities falls in line with the Council's goal of fostering community and neighborhood vitality; and

WHEREAS: Grilling and cook-outs are activities commonly associated with summer time recreation and parks, and the City of Cambridge does not currently offer grilling installations for such activities at the majority of the City's parks; and

WHEREAS: The grill installation at Danehy park has been a great success, and sees frequent use throughout the summer; and

WHEREAS: Many Cambridge residents do not have access to grilling equipment without such public installations because they lack the fire safe space necessary to own a grill, and expanding access to this pursuit is in the interest of both equity and summer fun; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads to investigate the feasibility of installing permanent grill areas at Cambridge parks and youth centers; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.