Carl Barron Plaza facts for kids
The plaza at Massachusetts and Western Avenues in Central Square, Cambridge, in 2008
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 Location in Boston
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| Namesake | Carl Barron |
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| Type | Plaza |
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 42°21′55″N 71°06′15″W / 42.36538°N 71.10404°W |
| Construction | |
| Inauguration | Late 1980s |
Carl Barron Plaza is a public space in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. It is a busy spot where different streets meet. The plaza is named after Carl Barron. He was a very well-known person in the Central Square area. People called him a "Central Square icon" because he was important to the community. His office was also very close to the plaza.
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What is Carl Barron Plaza?
Carl Barron Plaza is located where Massachusetts Avenue and Western Avenue meet. This is in the heart of Central Square, Cambridge. It is a place where many different people gather. The plaza also has a small office for the Cambridge Police Department (CPD). This office helps police be more visible in the area.
Art at the Plaza
You can find a special sculpture at the plaza. It is called Multicultural Manifestoes. Artist Ritsuko Taho created it in 1997. This artwork shares the hopes and dreams of people from Cambridge. It shows the diverse backgrounds of everyone living there.
The Plaza's History
The Carl Barron Plaza was officially opened in the late 1980s. Over the years, people have worked to make it a welcoming place for everyone.
Making the Plaza Welcoming
In 2011, a report suggested that the plaza could be more inviting. Even though it had benches and art, some people felt it could be improved. The City Council decided to try new ideas. They started a special program to bring performers and food carts to the plaza. Many different city groups helped with this plan. These included the Arts Council and the Police Department. Their goal was to make the plaza a fun and safe place for all visitors.
Police Presence and Future Plans
The Cambridge Police Department opened its reporting station at the plaza in December 2018. Some people liked having more police nearby. Others had different ideas about how the plaza should be used. They wanted to make sure it served everyone in the community. The Central Square Business Association plans to update the plaza in 2020. They want to make it even better for the future.
