Arlington Town Staff Invite You to Walk like Water.

Town Engineering Division staff offer a walking tour to see the innovative approaches they take to prevent flooding and improve stormwater runoff quality.

On May 6th at 10 AM, the Town of Arlington’s Department of Public Works (DPW) Engineering Division and the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) will host an in-person, outdoor walking tour of nature-based stormwater management systems. When it rains, the stormwater system carries runoff away from homes and important infrastructure. Arlington’s Engineering Division has designed trenches, rain gardens, and other stormwater measures with nature in mind. The result is a cleaner environment and safer conditions when storms hit.

The hosts will share details of ongoing work to minimize flooding impacts and promote cleaner water. Representatives from the Engineering Division will welcome attendees at the Thorndike Field parking lot in east Arlington on the morning of May 6th. The Division will lead the tour on a short walk that highlights the porous pavement, infiltration trenches, and rain gardens along the route. The walk will be approximately 8/10 mile. The tour will begin at Thorndike Field Parking Lot and proceed up Varnum Street, left on to Hebert, then right on Milton Street to Mass Ave. On Mass Ave. there will be stops at Windsor and Marathon Streets. From Mass Ave. the tour will continue down Egerton Road, to Herbert Road and along Chandler St. to end at the Hardy School.

“Most people don’t think about stormwater management until there’s a flood. We’re changing that with innovative work that makes Arlington a safer and more attractive place to live,” said Town Engineer Wayne Chouinard. “Our town stormwater system includes features that naturally retain and treat water before releasing it slowly. It helps keep residents safe, the environment clean, and they look nice, too.”

Town staff move Arlington’s stormwater management plans forward every day. The Town’s Master Plan set a goal to incorporate flooding issues into ongoing sustainability and climate resiliency plans, which has been a central focus ever since. The Master Plan also recommends coordination with neighboring municipalities to address flooding and water quality issues, which volunteers and town staff address through work on the Alewife and Mystic Rivers, Arlington Reservoir, and other water bodies.

This conversation is part of Arlington’s EcoWeek, which will feature public activities and events on environmental sustainability between April 22 and May 10. Visit the EcoWeek web page for a full list of events.

For questions about the walking tour, contact David Morgan, Environmental Planner, at dmorgan@town.arlington.ma.us or 781-316-3012.