Recreation & Community Services Projects

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Robbins Farm Playground Update

Join the Park and Recreation Commission on Nov. 23rd at 9:30 a.m. to (partially) open Robbins Farm Park.
Post Date:05/19/2025 6:17 PM

May 19, 2025 

Portions of Robbins Farm Park Playground are fenced off and closed while repairs to play equipment and paving take place. It is anticipate the park will reopen end of day Wednesday May 19th or Thursday May 20th. Other areas of the playground remain open such the fire truck, swings, and monkey bars.

Nov. 14, 2024 Update

Join the Park and Recreation Commission on Saturday, November 23rd at 9:30 a.m. to (partially) open Robbins Farm Park. Coffee and donuts will be provided. This will be the Town's first playground utilizing universal design principles and is intended to be accessible for individuals with varying abilities. The renovation project is primarily funded by the Community Preservation Act, American Rescue Plan Act funds, with support from the Friends of Robbins Farm Park. Add to your iCalendar

May 24, 2024 Update

The Robbins Farm Playground renovation project is on-going. The Town is working with Agency Landscape and Planning, as Landscape Architects, and JJ Phelan Contractors. There have been significant delays with the two new concrete slides outside the team’s control. The custom nature of these slides and the unique installation application are contributing factors. These delays have moved the opening date of the playground to late fall 2024.  Read additional details. 

 

September 25, 2023 Update

The Town of Arlington is pleased to announce that work will commence soon on the renovation of Robbins Farm Park. This will be the Town's first playground designed utilizing universal design principles and is intended to be accessible individuals with varying abilities. The renovation project was awarded to JJ Phelan & Sons for just over $2.1 million dollars. JJ Phelan & Sons recently completed Phase I of the Reservoir Project and three school playground projects in Arlington (Peirce School, Bishop School, and Stratton School). The Robbins Farm Playground renovation project is being funded by both Community Preservation Act (CPA) and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds.   

The project will begin this fall with mobilization beginning the week of October 2nd, followed by demolition of the existing equipment.  

Please note that the playground and associated work site will be closed and fenced off beginning the week of October 2nd. An exact construction schedule is being prepared by the contractor and all equipment is in the process of being ordered. Equipment lead times can vary anywhere from 12-20 weeks. It is anticipated that appropriate site preparation will occur this fall with the bulk of the work being done in the spring of 2024. There are many variables that will dictate the construction schedule, but the goal is for significant project completion prior to July 2024. The exact opening date will be continually updated throughout the construction process.  

The Town would like to thank you in advance for your patience while we work to renovate this playground. We recommend you visiting one of Arlington’s many parks and playgrounds. View a full list of parks and playgrounds at arlingtonma.gov/parks. 

View the final design

About the Project  

The Robbins Farm Playground project funding was approved by the Community Preservation Act Committee and Town Meeting for $997,000. The Town's first universal designed playground, intended to be accessible to all abilities, will cost an $2.1 million. Supplemental funding with be provided by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The Friends of Robbins Farm will also be fundraising to assist with the purchase of inclusionary equipment for the playground. More information may be found at https://robbinsfarmpark.org/playground

To receive updates on this project, as well as other general Town related information via email, sign up to Town of Arlington Notices.   

You may also revisit this page for updates. 

Sketch of updated Robbins Farm Park Slide and play area

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Current Capital Projects Above

The Park & Recreation Commission is pleased to provide information on Capital Projects and Improvements. Above are current projects, below are past projects.

Capital Projects and Park Improvements can be funded by the Town, CPA, CDBG , and/or Grants. Please note that not all elements of projects designed will be completed. 

Arlington Athletics Needs Assessment

Final report compiled by Activitis and approved by Parks and Recreation Commission, October 2023

Field and Playground Feasibility Study: Capital Projects FY22 - FY26

Final Version sent to Park and Recreation Commission by Stantec - March, 2021

Town of Arlington Field and Playground Feasibility Study Capital Projects FY22-FY26

Arlington Park and Recreation Commission Multi-Year Capital Plan FY22 - FY30

ADA Upgrades

ADA upgrades as per the 2015 ADA report by the Institute of Human Centered Design (IHCD). This process is currently on going.

Town of ARLINGTON MA ADA Self Evaluation Recreation Department FINAL REPORT

Playground Study

An assessment and recommendation report submitted by Nancy White of Playground Inspections of New England to the Park and Recreation Commission on 11.30.2019

Playground Assessment and Recommendations 11.30.2019

 

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