Photographs of the new boardwalk and natural flood storage area built in the first phase of construction. Credit: David Mussina.
Wellington Park, located along Mill Brook in Arlington, has undergone a multi-year revitalization effort. New amenities — a boardwalk, natural play area, accessible walkways, educational signage and native plantings — have opened up a hidden waterfront, connecting people to the water and increased the ecological quality of the riparian edge. Invasive plants and chain link fences were removed and replaced with a constructed wetland that absorbs flooding from Mill Brook and provides wildlife habitat.
For decades, the Town of Arlington and other community stakeholders have been exploring the feasibility and possibilities for developing a linear park along Mill Brook, an important ecological and historical feature in the town. (See the April 2019 report and September 1977 concept study). At one time, there were nine mills and seven millponds along the brook, which flows eastward from the Arlington Reservoir to Lower Mystic Lake. Four town-owned recreational and conservation areas are accessible along Mill Brook — Reservoir/Hurd Fields, Wellington Park, Cooke’s Hollow, and Meadowbrook Park.
This project is making progress towards this Mill Brook Corridor vision, and was kicked-off by the Mystic River Watershed Association in partnership with the Town of Arlington in 2017.
Progress
MyRWA and the Town of Arlington completed a schematic design and feasibility study for Wellington Park and an environmental assessment and roadmap for improvements to the Mill Brook corridor between Grove and Brattle Street. This was based on an extensive community engagement process.
In 2019, the Town used a state MVP grant to build a new path, boardwalk and removed invasive plants to create a flood storage area with native plantings. The final phase of construction completed in 2022 includes a rain garden to treat stormwater and prevent flooding on Prentiss Street, dozens of species of native plants and natural play and seating area designed by local artist Mitch Ryerson.
Resources
Phase I: In 2018, we gathered needs and ideas for this revitalization project through public meetings and surveys.
Public Workshop Presentation [March 8, 2018]
Outdoor Open House Boards [April 14, 2018]
Final Public Meeting Presentation [June 6, 2018]
Phase II: :In 2020, we continued the design process to prepare for the final phase of construction.
Public Meeting Presentation [April 22, 2020]
Mill Brook Rediscovered
Check out this video for a glimpse into Arlington’s hidden gem, Mill Brook! Created by Arlington resident Glenn Litton of DocuThis in partnership with curators at Arlington’s Old Schwamb Mill.
Partners
Partners include the Town of Arlington, Conservation Commission, Park & Recreation Commission, and Mill Brook Corridor Study Group. Funding is provided by the Arlington Community Preservation Act (CPA), the Community Development Block Grant, Judy Record Foundation and the Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program.
