Memorial Day Service Event: Spruce Up the Front Lot!

Friends, families and neighbors of John F. Kennedy School in Somerville:

Join us on Memorial Day, 5/26 between 9am - 2pm for a volunteer event to improve the Kennedy front lot. Stay for an hour or stay for the whole time - it all helps!

Volunteers and Students of all ages and their families are invited to help make short-term improvements to the front lot while we wait for the full renovation of the lot to begin (more details on the big renovation below).

Can you help on May 26?

Let us know by filling out this form so we get enough supplies for everyone to work with: https://forms.gle/hxQ9CWV2wjWizksv9

Have supplies to share/donate? Please let us know on that form. (We need gardening supplies, outdoor painting supplies and kid activities - see the form for specific needs.)

WE ARE ALSO ACCEPTING FINANCIAL DONATIONS TO COVER THE COSTS OF PAINT AND SUPPLIES. DONATION LINK: https://givebutter.com/jfkpta-frontlot

During our service event, in collaboration with the DPW and Parks and Rec, we're excited to:

- repaint existing features and paint new ones

- add planters and natural elements

- create a student-made weaving project in collaboration with art teacher Mrs. Van Tassel

- add wheel-chair accessible picnic tables.

We'll have volunteer activities suited for all ages and skill levels.

We're happy to have you for as much or as little time you can give on Memorial Day from 9am - 2pm

Rain date will be Wednesday, 5/28, 2-6pm

Questions about the project can be sent to Kat Johnston at katsjohnston@gmail.com

The City's long-term renovation plan for the Front Lot:

The front black top at the Kennedy school is slated for renovation which was on hold for several years due to COVID. The renovation is finally back on track and will include major changes to the black top where students in grades 3-8 have recess, the front parking lot and circle driveway, and creating Somerville’s first inclusive accessible playspace.

The City recently selected a company to begin the design process. There will be community engagement meetings starting in the coming weeks to gather ideas and input from both the Kennedy community and broader Somerville community. We will pass along those meeting dates once they are announced. There will be additional opportunities for community input this fall, including design proposals for community feedback, with construction anticipated to begin in Spring 2026.

You can learn more at the city’s website: https://voice.somervillema.gov/kennedy-school-playground...

Thank you from the Front Lot Committee!