Richardson Playground

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Richardson Playground is a public park located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.


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Summary

There are several good reasons to visit the park, such as its location in a peaceful residential area, ample parking space, and well-maintained facilities. The playground is popular among families with young children, as it features a variety of play equipment, including slides, swings, and climbing structures.

One of the main points of interest at Richardson Playground is its outdoor basketball court, which is a popular spot for pick-up games among locals. The park also has a large open field for picnics, games, and other outdoor activities. In addition, the park is home to a community garden, which is maintained by local volunteers.

Interesting facts about Richardson Playground include its history as a former landfill site, which was converted into a public park in the 1970s. The park is named after a former Cambridge city council member, and it is managed by the city's Parks and Recreation Department.

The best time of year to visit Richardson Playground is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the park is in full bloom. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy its facilities even during the colder months. Overall, Richardson Playground is a great destination for families, sports enthusiasts, and anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful outdoor space in the heart of Cambridge.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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