Arlington's Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) has concluded phases of planning for open space improvements at Cooke's Hollow on Mystic Street. The project is a community-based initiative begun by Ellen Cohen and Beth Melofchik, two Arlington residents who are longtime stewards of the property.

This project addresses several critical community needs that are identified by existing town plans, including the Master Plan and Open Space and Recreation Plan. The Mill Brook Corridor Report has also detailed the needs at Cooke’s Hollow. The planning process focuses on the common threads that run through these plans and reports, including:

• Minimizing harms from flooding and erosion at Mill Brook
• Increasing native habitat
• Implementing landscape improvements that make Cooke’s Hollow more attractive and accessible for all visitors

Importantly, Cooke's Hollow serves as a cool outdoor space during extreme heat events. The project includes consideration of how to enhance the cooling effect.

"Cooke's Hollow is a hidden gem in Arlington. Thanks to the efforts of residents who proposed this project, the Town can now make it a more enjoyable and accessible space for all," said David Morgan, Arlington's Environmental Planner. "All of our outdoor spaces need to be designed for climate change. Cooke's Hollow is the perfect place to show how Arlington can weather flooding and extreme heat while maintaining a connection to the outdoors."

Phase One

Hatch worked as the consultant on the first phase of the project and advanced conceptual plans and recommendations. The project was CPA funded.

Download the Cooke’s Hollow Revitalization Planning Project: Phase 1 final report.

DPCD met with Arlington residents to discuss improvements at Cooke’s Hollow starting on May 5^th, 2023, with an in-person visit to the space. Several clear priorities emerged, including keeping Cooke's Hollow close to its current use and enhancing its features in a variety of ways. A written meeting summary is available here.

The Town convened another public engagement session June 14^th, 2023, to review existing conditions and site analysis data, and to discuss concept design elements. This meeting included presentation of the tree and vegetation assessment, challenging site features, and ways to address issues noted in the field.  A recording of that meeting can be viewed here and the presentation slides are available for download. 

A final engagement session was held on August 4^th, 2023, where Hatch presented concept designs based on feedback provided over the preceding three months. The meeting was recorded and can be viewed here. The slides, which include a summary of the public process, existing conditions analysis, and elements of the two concept designs that Hatch submitted, can be downloaded here.

Phase Two

DPCD chose Copley Wolff as the consultant for a second phase of the Cooke's Hollow revitalization project, which commenced in 2025. Phase two is funded by a Community Development Block Grant. The scope of work includes refining the concept designs from phase one, then preparing permit applications to make the project shovel ready. Work on this phase was completed in October, 2025.

Copley Wolff led the first public forum for the second phase of the project on March 13, 2025 and presented modified versions of the two concept designs from Phase One. The presentation slides can be viewed here. Copley Wolff also prepared a summary of the meeting.

A second public forum was held April 24, 2025, where Copley Wolff shared the 75% design set and attendees shared input prior to the project moving into the permitting phase. A copy of the presentation slides and a meeting summary are available for download.

Arlington's Conservation Commission awarded a permit for the construction of the slated improvements on May 30, 2025.

The final public forum for the project was held on October 9, 2025. The presentation deck is available for download and the meeting can be watched on Zoom.