Over the past 8 months, our first cohort of resident Climate Leaders has been hard at work connecting with their communities as part of Wicked Cool Mystic — a regional initiative focused on raising awareness about extreme heat and supporting community-driven cooling solutions.
Curious what they’ve been up to? Dive into this newsletter to see the creative ways they’ve sparked conversations, what neighbors had to say about staying cool, and the cool ideas that came out of it.
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Page 1:
Wicked Cool News!
June 2025
What we did! In the past 8 months, our team of 13 Climate Leaders have engaged hundreds of residents about potential cooling interventions in their community. We went to over 30 events, and ran 4 events ourselves!
In this newsletter, you will find what community members thought about each intervention and what will happen next!
Overall, people really loved anything that was going to help beat the heat! People highlighted the importance of trees, water, and shading structures over and over again!
If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to email Marissa @marissa.zampino@mysticriver.org
Photo 1: A poster with maps covered in colorful sticky notes and dot stickers.
Photo 2: Marissa and two Climate Leaders gesture towards a Mystic River Watershed Association outreach table.
Page 2:
Wicked Cool News!
Arlington!
What we did! Yujia, Elena, and Steve went to 6 events and helped run Eco-Fest with a petting zoo!
What we learned! Many folks wanted trees and shade overall! We asked folks about four sites along Mass Ave, and people want to prioritize a cooling intervention at Mass Ave and Broadway!
What will happen! After your feedback, the Town of Arlington is now looking to install a bus shelter at Broadway and Tufts, and other interventions at Broadway Plaza!
Photo 1: Three climate leaders stand behind a table with a map and flyers on it.
Photo 2: Two climate leaders talk with a resident at an outrach table for Arlington Eco-Fest. The table has a map covered in blue and yellow sticky notes.
Page 3:
Wicked Cool News!
Malden!
What we did! Sonya, Kayla, and Kathleen went to 12 events and ran their own Arts Festival to gather feedback from Malden residents on cooling solutions!
What we learned! We looked at four sites in Malden- Malden Center, Callahan Park, the Skate Park, and the Salemwood area. We chose to prioritize interventions at the Skate Park- and many people loved the idea of adding a water fountain and more shade! Overall, people wanted more shade, and more drinking water!
What will happen! After your feedback, the City of Malden is looking into installing cooling interventions at the Skate Park!
Photo 1: A climate leader shows two residents a map while they visit our MyRWA table and canopy tent.
Photo 2: Climate leaders talking with more visitors to our outreach table and tent at a community event in Malden.
Page 4:
Wicked Cool News!
Chelsea!
What we did! Keydi, Silvia, and Maritza went to 5 events and gave out Care Bags with a survey about potential cooling interventions in Chelsea! Most of our engagement was conducted in Spanish.
What we learned! Everyone who did the survey loved the idea of interventions at Spruce St and Everett St; and Washington St and Reynolds St! People emphasized that it will be good for people walking through the city. Overall, people in Chelsea emphasized the need for more water and trees!
What will happen! After your feedback, the City of Chelsea is looking into installing a shade structure and bench at Spruce and Everett (edge of Mystic Mall ) and a drinking fountain at Washington and Reynolds!
Photo 1: A screenshot of the google form survey that the Chelsea Climate leaders gave to residents. The survey title is “Intervenciones en climas calurosos” and the question shares photos of possible cooling interventions on Spruce St. and Everett St. with the possible responses “¡Me gusta!” or “No me gusta.”
Page 5:
Wicked Cool News!
Everett
What we did! Caio, Juan, Rochell, and Rosita went to 9 events and held their own Eco-Sports Festival where they had fun games and asked people about cooling solutions!
What we learned! Everyone emphasized the need for trees, shading, and water along commonly walked routes in Everett! A lot of folks really emphasized the need for fixing water fountains already in the city, and wanting something as soon as possible to beat the heat!
What will happen! After your feedback, the City of Everett is looking into the following interventions:
Gateway park bus stop
Microforesting at 7 acre park
Microforesting at library and new fountain
Fountain at main street meadows and 80 meadows transit sop
Seating options on broadway
Signage
Photo 1: A climate leader stands behind a table with a map covered in multicolor sticky notes
Photo 2: Two climate leaders and MyRWA staff Marissa Zampino and Mariangelí Echevarría-Ramos pose and smile for a photo behind a MyRWA outreach table.
Photo 3: Four participants at the Everett Eco-sports festival line up to share their thoughts by writing sticky notes
Photo Credits: MyRWA team
