Rindge Avenue Walking Path
A diagram of the proposed CRA Walking Path that will replace the existing fence separating Fresh Pond Apartments (362 and 364 Rindge Avenue) from the Rindge Tower Apartments (402 Rindge Avenue) and Rindge Commons (430 Rindge Avenue).
ABOUT The PROJECT
The Rindge Avenue community is a residential neighborhood situated in North Cambridge. Even though there are many destinations nearby, physical barriers make it hard to get around safely and comfortably. The community deserves better connections that allow all residents to travel safely and easily.
In 2026, the CRA plans to design a walking path that will replace the existing fence separating Fresh Pond Apartments from the Rindge Tower Apartments. The CRA has been working to solidify easement agreements with the property owners at its location, which will allow area residents to use and enjoy the path despite it being on private property. Join us this summer and give us your feedback on the early design!
Take our VIRTUAL Survey!
Open until July 31, 2026
Takes about 5 minutes to complete
Respondents have a chance to win one of five $50 Market Basket gift cards upon finishing the survey!
RELATED PROJECTS Led by Others
The CRA’s Rindge Avenue Connectivity project is located near separate projects being conducted by the City of Cambridge and private developers.
Diagram of the project area, including ongoing path projects being conducted by other organizations such as the City of Cambridge.
Fitchburg Crossing Project - City of Cambridge
The City of Cambridge first studied the feasibility of a railroad crossing in 2023 as part of their design studies for the Danehy-New Street Connector Path. The City is finalizing paperwork and a contract with a project design team for the railroad crossing. The design project also includes the City of Cambridge path that follows the railroad tracks.
Jerry’s Park Boardwalk - Private Project by IQHQ
Private developer IQHQ plans to modernize and expand upon the existing GCP (formerly W.R. Grace) site north of Russell Field. As part of their project, they committed to improving public access around Jerry’s Pond with raised wooden boardwalk style pedestrian paths and viewing stations off the boardwalk with picnic tables and seating at appropriate locations. They will also improve the MBTA Alewife Station Entrance as part of their project.
Past CRA Work Around Rindge Avenue:
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Designs for a walking path came from the CRA’s 2024 Rindge Connectivity Feasibility Report, produced with consultants Copley Wolff and Nitsch Engineering. The report looked at possible routes through the Schochet property (home to Fresh Pond Apartments), and the Just A Start property (home to the Rindge Tower Apartments and Rindge Commons). It suggested three main options for pathways and explained how each would affect nearby trees and parking on site.
See the 2024 Rindge Connectivity Feasibility Report
Earlier, in 2020, the CRA worked with consultants from Gamble Associates to complete the Rindge Neighborhood Connectivity and Open Space Vision report. This plan included ideas for open space and suggestions for short-term improvements to make it easier to travel within the neighborhood.
In fall 2021, the CRA teamed up with Gamble again to consider opportunities for connection within the two properties owned by Just A Start and The Schochet Companies. Gamble’s connectivity ideas were presented to the CRA Board on March 16, 2022, and can be found here.
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In 2023, the CRA completed its first phase of community feedback. A community survey was conducted in nine languages with the help of resident Community Engagement Coordinators and received over 300 responses. Participants expressed strong interest in redesigning the open spaces in the area. The survey also showed that 75% of respondents wanted better connections between the properties owned by Schochet and Just A Start.
After the survey, the CRA and its Engagement Coordinators held focus group discussions in English and Amharic. These sessions gave participants a chance to think about the survey results, share thoughts, and give suggestions for how things could be improved. In January 2024, the CRA also organized a Community Open House to share what was learned, and provided updated designs based on the collective feedback.
In 2026, the CRA plans host multiple public events to update the community on the path's design and offer more opportunities for input.
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Project Partners:
Just A Start, Schochet Companies, City of Cambridge
Landscape Architect:
Copley Wolff
Year Started:
2020
Neighborhood Location:
Alewife -
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