Arlington Provides Updates On 3 Current Park Projects

ARLINGTON, MA — The Town of Arlington on Tuesday issued an update on multiple park renovation projects while also reminding residents about a few recently completed projects.

Earlier this month, the Robbins Farm Park Playground, located at 61 Eastern Ave., closed ahead of its renovation, which is expected to cost $2.1 million.

The project will include the construction of the town's first playground created utilizing universal design principles and intended to be accessible to individuals with varying abilities.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, the town's Park and Recreation Commission (PRC) will hold onsite public input meetings regarding two other park projects. Both meetings will feature representatives from architectural firm Copley Wolff, who will be in attendance to solicit input about renovations.

The first meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Parallel Park, located at Medford Street and Parallel Street, and the other meeting is scheduled for noon to 2 p.m. at Menotomy Rocks Park, located at Jason Street.

The projects come on the heels of two other park projects that were completed this past May: the Spy Pond Playground, located at 56 Pond Ln., and the Parmenter Playground, located at 17 Irving St.

Additionally, the Peirce Playground at Peirce Elementary School, 85 Park Ave. EXT, opened in November 2022, with surface finishing being completed this past summer, and the Bishop Playground at John A Bishop Elementary School, 25 Columbia Rd, opened in Oct. 2022.

Town officials said these projects were made possible thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Community Preservation Act (CPA) and from a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), in addition to ongoing support from the town's Capital Planning Committee.

"It was a banner year in renovating playgrounds,” said Joe Connelly, Arlington's Recreation director. "ARPA funding allowed the town to renovate three playgrounds it had not expected, plus provide supplemental funding for the upcoming renovation of the playground at Robbins Farm Park. In addition to supporting the Robbins Farm Park project, CPA has also funded design services for play area improvements at Menotomy Rocks Park."

Town Manager Jim Feeney thanked Connelly and the Park and Recreation Commission for "fast-tracking" the park projects. He also thanked local residents for their patience while the renovations took place.

"The enhancements to these playgrounds have not only increased safety, they have improved accessibility and enjoyment for all those who visit,” Feeney said.