Wide view of the Louis A. DePasquale Universal Design Playground at Danehy Park in Cambridge
Needs recheckFixed locationDestination inclusive playgrounds

Louis A. DePasquale Universal Design Playground

Danehy Park, Cambridge, MA

Large universal design playground at Danehy Park with accessible routes, multi-zone play, sensory-minded design, nearby parking, restrooms, and paths for longer family outings.
Quick facts

Price

Free public playground.

Parking

Adjacent 68-car lot at the playground area; Danehy Park overall has parking for more than 300 cars.

Profile

Strong profile coverage

Needs recheck

Public-source evidence needs review. Confirm time-sensitive details using the business links above.

Editorial Review

Why included

Inclusive Play Atlas includes this accessible playground because it has enough public information to compare fit, logistics, and source context.

What we verified

  • name
  • location
  • status
  • playground size

What remains unknown

  • Current operating hours or season

Profile updated August 3, 2026; source check April 11, 2026. Confirm current park hours, construction closures, restroom availability, and the specific accessibility features your family needs before making a special trip.

Atlas Perspective

Editor's Take

One of the clearest destination-level inclusive playgrounds in the region, with enough scale and thoughtful design to justify a dedicated trip.

At a Glance

Venue type

Destination playground

Age groups

ToddlersPreschoolersBig kidsMixed ages

Mobility features

Ramped accessGround-level playWide pathways

Sensory and communication features

Tactile playVisual playVestibular play

Family amenities

SeatingPicnic tablesRestrooms nearbyParking

Surface type

Mixed surfaces

Shade level

Mixed shade

Restroom access

Nearby restrooms

Accessibility supports

Accessible routesSmooth paths

Park context

Part of a larger parkTrail accessPicnic areaSports fields nearby

Operator type

Municipal

Visit options

Free entryParking on site

Toddler-friendly

Yes

Plan Your Visit

ParkingAdjacent 68-car lot at the playground area; Danehy Park overall has parking for more than 300 cars.
SummaryDestination-style visit inside Danehy Park.
WeatherFully outdoor play area.
RestroomsRestrooms are available in Danehy Park.
Facilities
Walking and jogging pathsPicnic areasOpen park groundsNearby parking
Visit StyleBest for a fuller outing rather than a five-minute stop.

Pricing Snapshot

ParkingNo admission fee; park parking is available nearby.
SummaryFree public playground.
AdmissionFree

About the Venue

Louis A. DePasquale Universal Design Playground is Cambridge's flagship inclusive play destination and one of the strongest fully public options in Greater Boston. The 30,000-square-foot playground at Danehy Park was designed around universal design principles, with physical, sensory, cognitive, and emotional access considered across the whole site instead of through one or two token features. Families can expect a large, destination-style layout with accessible approaches, level circulation, varied play structures, public art, and room for mixed-age visits. The wider Danehy Park setting adds walking paths, picnic areas, restrooms, and adjacent parking that make longer visits much easier.

Accessibility & Comfort

These details reflect published sources and dated reports, not an ADA inspection. Confirm the specific supports and barriers that matter for your visit.

SummaryOfficial city materials describe the entire site as built around universal design, including physical, sensory, cognitive, and emotional access.
Known Features
Accessible routes and level circulationUniversal design approach across the whole siteSensory, cognitive, and emotional inclusion considered in planningLarge site intended for shared play across abilities
Considerations
The public page strongly confirms universal design intent but does not publish a simple checklist of every individual piece of equipment.Families who need a fully fenced perimeter should confirm on arrival.
Accessible routesSmooth paths

Gallery

Universal design playground overview at Danehy Park
Main view of the Louis A. DePasquale Universal Design Playground.
Play structure at the Cambridge universal design playground
Large accessible play structure at the Danehy Park playground.
Public art feature inside the Cambridge universal design playground
Art and sensory-rich design elements are integrated into the play space.
Interior view of a play structure at the universal design playground
Inside the play structure at Louis A. DePasquale Universal Design Playground.

External Links

Nearby Alternatives

Use these nearby profiles to contrast fit, coverage, and planning details around Cambridge and the wider Greater Boston area.

Menino Park

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(617) 635-4505
Published pricing

Charlestown destination playground with stair-free access to all play levels, a wheelchair swing, wheelchair merry-go-round, sensory play, water play, shade, and waterfront setting.

Children's Park

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Dorchester playground with stair-free elevated access, wheelchair merry-go-round, transfer access, dish swing, sensory play, roller slide, and accessible seating amenities.

Martin's Park

Boston, MA
(617) 635-4505
Published pricing

Highly accessible waterfront playground in South Boston with stair-free elevated access, wheelchair-accessible slide route, musical play, spray play, shade, and thoughtful seating.

Smith Playground

Allston, MA
(617) 635-4505
Published pricing

Allston playground with stair-free access to all play levels, dish swing, transfer access, spray play, shade, and accessible family seating features.

Brookline Avenue Playground

Brookline, MA
(617) 730-2000
Published pricing

Inclusive Brookline playground with ramps, at-grade play access, sensory and auditory elements, water play, picnic areas, and accessible walkways.

Contact Information

Address

Field Street

Cambridge, MA, 02138

Source & Verification

Last updated

August 3, 2026

Verification summary

Last source review: April 11, 2026

Checked against 2 public sources.

This profile summarizes published information and dated reports. It is not an ADA inspection or an individualized accessibility assessment.

Reviewed as

Municipal source review

What Changed

April 11, 2026

Created listing from official Cambridge universal design playground materials.

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