Memorial Drive Alliance
Green Cambridge is a partner of this diverse group of individuals and community organizations working to improve the Memorial Drive parkway. The Memorial drive alliance represents people of all ages who care deeply about the natural beauty and health of the Charles River and the ability of people to walk, run, and ride bicycles along Memorial Drive safely. We have a shared goal of making the Memorial Drive Parkway a beautiful, safe, vibrant, and climate resilient green corridor for all, for many generations to come.
In 2019, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the agency that manages the Memorial Drive Parkway, initiated a “Phase III” planning process for Memorial Drive. Public outreach efforts came to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our growing coalition is now urging DCR to resume the community process, and encouraging the City of Cambridge and the State of Massachusetts to take advantage of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve Memorial Drive.
Our Two Asks
Replace two motor vehicle travel lanes on Memorial Drive with protected multi-use paths along the full length of Memorial Drive.
This will allow sidewalks on both sides of Memorial Drive to be designated for pedestrian use only. Those paths should be widened and repaved so that they are safe and comfortable.
Plant new trees wherever there are gaps and restore the iconic "sycamore allée".
New landscape design and construction should maximize canopy cover to shade walkways and bicycle lanes. A comprehensive landscape plan should include protection and ongoing care for existing trees, establish numerous additional tree plantings that are carefully selected and maintained and provide for optimal soil conditions throughout the length of Memorial Drive.