City of Cambridge Participatory Budgeting

Let Us Remember: Cambridge Memorial Peace Garden

Committee: Facilities, Parks and Recreation

Total Cost: $400,000

Locations: A centrally accessible park in Cambridge

Short Description:

The Peace Garden will honor the lives of residents who fall victim to violence. It will offer a serene space for all to find refuge in the face of tragic loss, and will serve as a gathering place for community healing and connection.

Long Description:

Tragic loss occurs almost daily, and violence and disconnection are growing plagues in our society. We are lucky to live in Cambridge, a city that is generally viewed as a safe place to live and raise our children. Unfortunately, that is not true for all. Too many of us have been impacted by violence, whether through murder, suicide, the scourge of drug overdose, or other unforeseen circumstances. Especially in these times, we are all aware that anyone can fall victim to violence. When the worst happens, we need a place to come together to remember, to console and support each other, to celebrate lives lost, and to heal and seek peace.

This space will be designed to honor lives cut short by violence. The Garden will provide a beautiful, serene gathering space for families, friends and neighbors as a memorial for loved ones, and a refuge from violence. The Garden will also serve as a space to host community events that raise awareness around the human cost of violence.

Ultimately, the Cambridge Memorial Peace Garden will be a symbol of connection for all of us who live and work in this great city.

example of a peace garden