Download a brochure with map of Arlington Reservoir.
Reprinted from Arlington’s 2022-2029 Open Space and Recreation Plan
The Arlington Reservoir site incorporates a variety of natural and recreational resources. Created in the early 1870s to supply Arlington’s municipal water system, the Reservoir has not been used for public drinking water since the town joined the MWRA in 1899, yet the name “reservoir” remains in use. The Reservoir and its adjacent land areas are about 65 acres. The water body of about 29 acres is a man-made recreational and flood-control pond on the Arlington/Lexington border in the northwestern section of town. Less than half of the area is in Arlington, yet the Town owns and manages the entire site, as well as part of Munroe Brook, the Reservoir’s primary source whose watershed includes Reed’s Brook. Several Lexington storm drains also send water into this water body.
The Reservoir has a mile-long wooded walking trail around its circumference that is a recreational resource for walking, birding, jogging, and cross-country skiing, and the Arlington High School cross-country team uses the trail for meets and training.
The sandy beach includes a filtered/chlorinated swimming area with a ramp for people with disabilities, a bathhouse, a concession area, and playground. The beach is supervised by certified lifeguards and other Recreation Department staff when open during the summer months. The Reservoir also provides a diverse habitat for wildlife, and nearly 220 species of birds have been sighted there. A Wildlife Habitat Garden was established in 2010 following repairs to the earthen dam around the Reservoir. It is maintained by the volunteer Reservoir Committee.
In 2017-18, the Town developed a Master Plan for the entire Reservoir area to guide improvements to address water quality, amenities, and accessibility of the property. The beach and the entire Reservoir area are currently being updated in several phases through 2022. Among the improvements are a fully ADA accessible perimeter walking path, playground, fishing dock, benches, a picnic pavilion, and a volleyball/multi-sport court. Significant environmental improvements include removal of invasive vegetation, erosion control of the Reservoir banks with native plantings, and a new porous parking lot. (This project was completed in 2023.)
Hurd and Reservoir fields, adjacent to the Reservoir off Drake Road, offer two softball/youth baseball diamonds. Hurd Field is lighted and used for adult softball play in addition to youth baseball and softball. A Community Preservation Act-funded project is currently underway to redesign and renovate these fields, including to repair safety issues, address ADA guidelines, and provide a safe connection to the nearby Minuteman Bikeway. (This project was completed in 2023.)
Arlington Reservoir
- Size: 21.3 acres in Arlington (65 acres total in Arlington and Lexington)
- Managing Agency/Owner: Department of Public Works/ Park and Recreation Commission/Town of Arlington Current Use: Active and passive recreation/Flood control/Conservation
Hurd and Reservoir Fields
- Size: 6.1 acres
- Managing Agency/Owner: Park and Recreation Commission/Town of Arlington
- Current Use: Active and passive recreation/ Conservation
