Help Move the Kennedy Playground Project Forward — Comments Needed by Oct. 22

The Kennedy's front basketball courts were slated to be redesigned and reconstructed into a modern and more inclusive space years ago, and back in 2019 the city secured CPA funding to get the design process underway. Then COVID hit, and the funds and project "disappeared" until they resurfaced last year. There's FINALLY been progress, but not without an enormous pressure campaign led by Kennedy PTA member and parent of three, Kat Johnston.

There's now the chance for the project to secure another $1 million in CPC (Community Preservation Committee) funding. 

We're hoping that you might help get us over the line by sharing this with your communities:

(the following is a letter from Kat Johnston):

Dear families,

After years of planning and advocacy, the Kennedy School Playground Renovation Project is finally in the design phase! The next critical step is securing additional funding from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) so construction can begin.

The CPC will meet on Tuesday, October 22, to consider an extra $1 million in funding, and community feedback will make a real difference in their decision.

Please take a minute to share your support through this online submission form or email comments or letters of support to rcameron@somervillema.gov. 

Here’s some ideas of what to share in your comments:

• Kennedy’s older students (grades 3–8) need a real place to play, not just a blacktop.

• The new design should support outdoor learning and give teachers and students more ways to engage outside the classroom.

• The space should be inclusive and useful for the whole community, not just during school hours — a safe, welcoming place for neighbors to gather, play, and connect.

You might also mention:

• Kennedy is the only Somerville school without a field or green space.

• The school includes three district-wide special education programs, yet the current lot has almost no accessible equipment.

• Families are advocating for the playspace to incorporate Universal Design in this key location in Somerville, central to many families and accessible during outside of school hours.

Even a short note helps. Example:

“Kennedy’s students deserve a safe, inclusive, and age-appropriate place to play and learn outdoors. Please approve the additional CPC funding so construction can finally begin.”

Let’s show the CPC how much this project means to our community and help create a play space that reflects Kennedy’s energy, inclusivity, and heart.

Along with submitting your own comment, please share broadly through your networks--social media, neighborhood listservs, group texts--and encourage other Somerville residents to voice their support of this project.

With gratitude,

Kat JohnstonWard 3 Resident & Kennedy School Parent