The “Slice of the City” meet-up series kicks off on Thursday, May 2, in Ward 4 at the Healey School Playground.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City Council invite Somerville community members to the inaugural “Slice of the City” meet-up series. This new series of family-friendly pizza parties in the parks offers attendees a new way to connect and engage with city leaders and staff as well as neighbors all while enjoying Somerville’s parks.

The outdoor series for all ages will feature seven early evening meet-ups, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., throughout the month of May – one each in each of the city’s seven wards. Held in parks and green spaces, the drop-in style gatherings are an opportunity to mingle with Mayor Ballantyne, your Ward and At-Large City Councilors, School Committee members, and State Delegation representatives, as well as City staff and neighbors. Meanwhile, the Recreation Department will host kid’s activities, and refreshments and pizza will be provided.

“Not everyone can squeeze a whole weeknight community meeting into their schedules, and others may be hesitant to join a more formal event, so it’s important that we try out new ways for people to connect with the public servants who serve them,” said Mayor Ballantyne. “We are excited to launch the ‘Slice of the City’ series as part of our ongoing commitment to creating access to local government and building community. Plus, it’s always great to have a reason to hang out in our awesome parks.”

Staff on hand will be happy to discuss neighborhood projects, City programs and services, questions or concerns, or your favorite pizza topping.

Slice of the City Schedule

Look for the balloons and tables at each location. Rain locations if needed will be posted to somervillema.gov/slice or contact 311:

• Thursday, May 2: Ward 4 at the Healey School Playground, 5 Meacham Street
• Monday, May 6: Ward 1 at Chuckie Harris Playground, 17 Cross Street East
• Thursday, May 9: Ward 6 at Powderhouse Park, 850 Broadway (College Ave. side)
• Monday, May 13: Ward 7 at Lou Ann David Park,1060 Broadway
• Thursday, May 16: Ward 5 at Trum Field Playground, One Franey Road at Cedar Street
• Monday, May 20: Ward 3 at Prospect Hill Park, 68 Munroe Street
• Tuesday, May 28: Ward 2 at Lincoln Park, 290 Washington Street (near Argenziano School entrance)

Each “Slice of the City” event will prioritize inclusivity and accessibility, with language assistance available through the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs and accommodations for seniors and individuals with mobility needs. In the event of inclement weather, indoor locations will be announced.

Replacing the traditional spring cycle of City Hall Community Meetings, the “Slice of the City” series, along with the city’s new annual Civic Day on Saturday, April 27, is designed to provide a broader range of engagement opportunities, ensuring that more residents have the chance to learn about and participate in Somerville civic life. This pilot program will be evaluated upon completion, with the goal of enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in civic access and discourse.

More information: Visit somervillema.gov/slice for more information.

ADA Accommodations: Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov. 

Interpretation: The city will make every effort to provide interpretation into any language upon advance request (at least seven days in advance). Contact the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs at somervillema.gov/ContactSomerViva or contact 311 at 617-666-3311 or somervillema.gov/311.