Town Of Arlington: Wellington Park And Mill Brook Revitalization Project Continues

Press release from Town of Arlington:

11/19/2021 10:00 AM

November 19, Update

The Town had planned to replace the decking boards on the existing pedestrian bridge as part of the ongoing revitalization project. During removal of the boards, extensive deterioration was discovered on the main wood beams and rails. The Town sought a structural engineering analysis that revealed the existing structural members were severely compromised. As such, the bridge will be removed via crane by Marquis Tree service on November 20, 2021.

Project Begins 

The Wellington Park and Mill Brook Revitalization Phase 3 Project began construction on July 6, 2021. The Town has contracted with Cassidy Landscaping to construct Phase 3. Construction is anticipated to be complete in the fall of 2021.

The Mill Brook Corridor Report guided the design plan for the park. Phase 3 is a continuation of the Wellington Park and Mill Brook Revitalization Project, Phase 1 and Phase 2.

During Phase 1, the Mystic River Watershed Association led a community-driven visioning process for a linear greenway along Mill Brook, specifically along the brook between Grove Street and Brattle Street. During Phase 2, a flood storage channel and boardwalk was constructed, and native plantings and educational signage were installed. The Phase 2 project was designed by Weston & Sampson and constructed by general contractor RAE Contracting Corp. Phase 3 will add the remaining amenities recommended during the Phase 1 project.

The Phase 3 design was designed by Hatch, a design and engineering firm. The project design includes expanding the existing porous asphalt pathway, installing a bioretention basin for stormwater management, adding an informal exploration play area, installing site amenities like benches and a picnic table, and installing more native plantings. This project was designed using funds provided by the Arlington Community Development Block Grant Program. Construction is funded through a $325,000 Community Preservation Act Fund grant and a $20,000 Judy Record Fund grant through Mass Audubon. This project is co-managed by the Town and the Mystic River Watershed Association.

During construction, portions of the park will be closed to the public. The tennis courts will remain open through construction.

About the Project

The Wellington Park and Mill Brook Revitalization Project is being guided by the Department of Planning and Community Development with input from representatives of the Park & Recreation Commission, Conservation Commission, Open Space Committee, Mill Brook Working Group, and Mystic River Watershed Association. The project has been informed through multiple public engagement processes - through the Mill Brook Corridor Report Update, Phase 1 visioning, Phase 2 design and feedback, and Phase 3 design and feedback process. The Wellington Park and Mill Brook Revitalization Project planning process began in 2017 and resulted in a concept to transform Wellington Park into a climate-smart park with amenities including benches, educational signage, and an exploration play area.
For all other information about the Wellington Park Phase 3 project, please contact Emily Sullivan at 781-316-3012 or esullivan@town.arlington.ma.us.

This press release was produced by Town of Arlington. The views expressed here are the author’s own.