Town Of Arlington: Medford Street Parklet Revamped With Accessible Platform, Solar Umbrellas, And New Plantings

Press release from Town of Arlington:

10/19/2021 4:22 PM

The Medford Street parklet is new and improved. This popular public space was recently enhanced with new furnishings, including an at-grade accessible parklet platform, solar-powered umbrellas featuring LED lights and phone chargers, and plantings. The upgrades were funded by a third MassDOT Shared Streets and Spaces grant totaling $50,000. The Medford Street parklet had been an overall success since its installation in the fall of 2020, and was identified for equipment upgrades due to its frequent usage and place of prominence on busy Medford Street. A section of Park Terrace will continue to be closed to vehicle traffic to accommodate the outdoor seating area and pedestrian plaza.

The creation, installation, and maintenance of this space is the result of collaboration between the Town and local business owners. The Department of Planning and Community Development wrote the grant application, produced the parklet design, and managed procurement of parklet equipment with the MassDOT grant funding. Department of Public Works staff assembled and installed the equipment. Abutting restaurants Gail Ann’s, La Victoria Taqueria, and Lucky Dragon have agreed to water the plants and maintain a clean seating area. Jessica Lane, an Arlington resident who owns Inspired Gardens, was the landscaper who provided the beautiful plantings.

Not sure what a parklet is? See how they can transform parking spaces or go visit Medford Street today.

To learn more about this Shared Streets project, contact Ali Carter, Economic Development Coordinator, at acarter@town.arlington.ma.us.   

This press release was produced by Town of Arlington. The views expressed here are the author’s own.