At its December 6, 2021 meeting, Arlington’s Select Board endorsed the Parks & Playground Investment Plan presented by the Park and Recreation Commission. The Plan requests $4 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to upgrade several playground facilities in town. Using past bids of recent projects and pricing from their 2021 Feasibility Study, the Park and Recreation Commission estimates that this funding could assist in the renovation of seven or eight playgrounds over the course of the ARPA spending period.

The Parks & Playground Investment Plan will begin with upgrades of playgrounds at the Stratton, Pierce, and Bishop Schools. Bids for designers are currently being reviewed and public input sessions are anticipated for late January / February. Each project will include 2 public input sessions and other methods for the community to provide input prior to design approval. Construction of these playgrounds is anticipated to begin in the summer.

Later in 2022 playgrounds at Robbins Farm Park, Menotomy Rocks Park, Cutter Hill, and Buzzell Field will begin the design phase. Following the same process, at least 2 public input sessions will be planned and are estimated to occur in the fall, with construction starting the following spring.

In addition to upgrades made possible by ARPA funding, there are other active park and playground projects. You may view these and other projects at arlingtonma.gov/projects

ARPA projects may be found at arlingtonma.gov/arpa

Please note the ARPA Parks & Playground Investment Plan may be adjusted periodically based on unforeseen maintenance, supply chain issues, and future safety inspections.