Map of East Arlington – click here to see on your Google Map app
East Arlington Parks and Landmarks
Alewife Greenway Bikepath (boardwalk) – The Alewife Greenway Bikepath is a straightforward 3.5-mile track for biking, running, and walking, typically taking about an hour to complete. It connects Mystic Valley Parkway to the Red Line at Alewife. In fall, native plants like asters contrast with invasive Japanese Knotweed. The path has stone dust and raised boardwalks, bordered by natural and urban areas. The eastern edge follows a natural brook, while the western edge runs along a public street with homes, businesses, and parking lots. Small paths connect the trail to the street through green spaces.
Magnolia Park and Playground – Located on Herbert Street at the crossroad of Magnolia Street, Magnolia Park stands as a recently hub for outdoor recreation and community engagement. Boasting a playground, picnic tables, a vibrant community garden, and sports facilities including a half-court basketball court and soccer/lacrosse field, it offers diverse activities for visitors of all ages. Off-street parking is available, ensuring convenience for park-goers, and its proximity to the bike path enhances accessibility. Magnolia Park offers various amenities like a Free Little Library and a lively children’s play area. Spanning 3.9 acres, Magnolia Park is perfect for walking, family fun, and sports, offering both natural beauty and recreational facilities for outdoor enjoyment and community events.
Thorndike Field and Dog Park – Thorndike Field and Dog Park offers a fenced-in area for dogs to roam off-leash, providing water and occasional closures for maintenance. It’s a picturesque spot with a soccer field, playground, and walking trails, offering plenty of shade and seating options. While the dog park mainly consists of gravel and concrete surfaces, there’s ample space for dogs to play and socialize. The park’s design prioritizes ecological sensitivity and community involvement, featuring separate areas for big and small dogs, agility equipment, and water fountains. Additionally, early morning off-leash hours are available for well-trained dogs. The park’s establishment was the result of advocacy efforts by local groups like A-DOG, and it’s open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Crosby Park and Tennis Court – Crosby Park in Arlington, MA, offers a range of amenities including a playground, tennis courts, and picnic area. It’s located near the old Crosby School and features a 7v7 soccer field, basketball hoops, and seasonal restrooms. Pickleball enthusiasts can enjoy two outdoor courts overlaid on tennis courts. Limited parking is available on Winter Street. Covering 2.2 acres, the park is ideal for walking, family activities, and sports like soccer, basketball, and tennis.
Waldo Park – Waldo Park is a cozy neighborhood park featuring a playground, basketball courts, and green space. Street parking is available nearby. While the park is open to the public, it can also be rented for small gatherings (permit required). Please note that there are no public restrooms or portable toilets available at the park.
North Union Park/Lussiano Field/Thompson School – North Union Park offers a range of activities including sledding, baseball, and soccer. Located next to Thompson School on North Union Street, the park features amenities such as a baseball diamond, multi-purpose field, picnic area, playground, basketball hoops, and a seasonal spray park. The spray park offers refreshing water features including high peaks, fountains, and interactive water-control buttons. It’s free and open to the public during the summer months. The park’s hours vary depending on the school schedule, with extended hours during weekends and summer breaks.
East Arlington Adjacent
Scannell Field Baseball – Scannell Field, situated near Spy Pond and Spy Pond Park, can be found off Linwood Street. On-street parking is accessible, and the field offers convenient access to the bike path. Scannell Field features a baseball diamond and is available for rental. The area includes a softball/little league field, access to the bike path, and spectator stands for observing athletic activities.
Spy Pond Park and Field – Nestled on the north shore of Spy Pond near the Arlington Boys & Girls Club, Spy Pond Park offers a range of amenities for visitors to enjoy. These include a playground, a public boat ramp for kayaks and canoes, a picnic area, and access to the bike path. The public park within Spy Pond Park features a playground, a rain garden, walking paths, benches, and picnic tables. The Friends of Spy Pond Park, a volunteer organization, actively oversees the stewardship of the park and organizes clean-up projects and special events, such as the annual Spy Pond Fun Day. Recreational facilities at Spy Pond Field, also known as Hornblower Field, include tennis courts renovated in 2015, a baseball diamond utilized by the Arlington High School varsity baseball team, and a multi-purpose field for soccer activities.
Boys and Girls Club – The Arlington Boys and Girls Club provides a safe and supportive environment for children to learn and grow through various programs and activities. With facilities like an indoor swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, and outdoor spaces like Spy Pond Field, the club offers opportunities for both recreation and skill development. Their mission emphasizes leadership, character development, and inclusion, aiming to support all youth and teens in reaching their full potential.
Alewife Linear Park – Alewife Linear Park in Cambridge, covers 2.5 acres and provides a scenic and accessible pathway for various recreational activities. Constructed as part of the Red Line Extension project in 1985, the park spans from Davis Square in Somerville to Alewife Station, offering a convenient route for commuters and recreational users alike. Spanning 1.8 miles, the park offers a convenient trail for biking, running, and walking, with average completion times of 32 minutes. It connects to the Minuteman Bikeway and serves as part of the extensive multi-use path network in the Greater Boston area.
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