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Spring 2001

Inside this Issue:

Board of Directors
Elected

Founder's Corner
by Oakes Plimpton

Community
Preservaton Act

Family Fun at
Robbins Farm

Around the Farm

Robbins Farm
Almanac

Page 1                            Spring 2001 - Volume 1, Chapter 1

Changes Planned for Robbins Farm

Robbins Farm Park is due for some major improvements over the next three years. Working with the Arlington Parks Commission and the Friends of Robbins Farm Park (FORFP), local landscape architect Andrew Leonard developed a preliminary plan for the renewal and restoration of the 10.5 acre park. Elements of the plan include replacing the existing wooden playground structures which have outstayed their 10-year lifespan, resurfacing the playing fields, adding a retaining wall on Boston Hill, and removing and resurfacing the abandoned tennis courts. FORFP developed a list of a dozen or so ideas, many of which Leonard used in his draft plan.

Leonard's initial plan was approved by the Park Commissioners February 13, 2001. This plan, although not finalized, will be submitted with the Parks Commission 2002 budget request to Town Meeting. The entire plan, which bears a price tag of about $1 million, is fairly aggressive and will be pursued in installments over the next three years. If the budget is approved, financing would come available in July when the formal design and construction process will begin. Groundbreaking would likely be late 2001 or early 2002 for any major work approved.

We will provide updates in the Summer newsletter. Plus watch for informational booths at events at the Farm.

Friends List of Ideas

  • Rebuild playground

  • Regrade and irrigate playing fields.

  • Remove abandoned tennis courts.

  • Add wrought iron  fencing near playground.

  • Construct a winding path through the park.

  • Build a curved sitting wall on Boston Hill.

  • Add an ice skating area.

  • Build new tennis courts next to the current playground.

  • Add trees and shrubs.

  • Add picnic tables and benches.

 
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