Mystic Lakes Path Improvements Project
The Mystic Lakes Path Improvements project aims to provide universally accessible recreation opportunities along, and improve the ecological health of, the Mystic Lakes and their shoreline. See our Final Conceptual Design and Survey Report below.
About the Project
Between Fall 2023 and Summer 2024, The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) completed a conceptual design and land survey for Mystic Valley Parkway along the eastern shoreline of the Mystic Lakes in Winchester and Medford, incorporating robust community engagement. This work was made possible by a MassTrails grant and a generous contribution from the Lawrence and Lillian Solomon Foundation.
As part of this process, MyRWA identified a steering committee of ten residents to help guide the project and ensure a resident-led voice on the conceptual design. A series of public meetings were held between January and June 2024 to solicit public input and guide the design process.
Rendering of proposed path improvements. Credit: Halvorson | Tighe & Bond Studio
Final Conceptual Design and Survey Report
To achieve the project’s goals, the recommended conceptual design features a road diet of Mystic Valley Parkway, a multi-use path for multiple non-motorized mobility modes, and secondary pedestrian footpaths where possible. Several pedestrian crossings of the parkway are proposed to be redesigned to improve safety, comfort, and ADA accessibility. The design also proposes various amenities to enhance the experience of path users and visitors to Mystic Lakes State Park, including the introduction of scenic overlooks, non-motorized boat launches, wayfinding and interpretative signage, seating, picnicking areas, and modifications to motor vehicle parking. Read the full report below:
Final Report - No Appendix (High Resolution)
Final Report - With Appendix (High Resolution)
Final Report - No Appendix (Low Resolution)
Final Report - With Appendix (Low Resolution)
Mystic Lakes Path Project Overview. Credit - Halvorson Tighe & Bond Studio
Past Public Meetings
Public Meeting #3: Refined Conceptual Design - June 11, 2024 - 6:00-8:00 PM - Zoom
Steering Committee Meeting #3 - June 3, 2024 - 6:00-8:00 PM - 23 Maple Street, Arlington MA, 02476
Public Meeting #2: Conceptual Design Alternatives - April 23, 2024 - 6:00-7:30 PM - Zoom
Steering Committee Meeting #2 - April 4, 2024 - 23 Maple Street, Arlington MA, 02476
Public Meeting #1: Visioning Engagement - February 13, 2024, 6pm - Zoom
Steering Committee Meeting #1 - January 29, 2024 - Medford Public Library, Meeting Room #5
questions, comments, thoughts? please feel free to contact
Karl Alexander, Greenways Program Manager (karl.alexander@mysticriver.org)
Isaiah Johnson, Outreach & Media Manager (isaiah.johnson@mysticriver.org)
