A project aiming to draw attention to the vital connection between Arlington’s storm drains and the health of its local waterways is underway! The Storm Drain Sidewalk Mural Project, a collaboration between the Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture (ACAC) and the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD), highlights the importance of keeping storm drains free of litter and debris. Drains that flow to Mill Brook, Mystic River, Spy Pond, and Lower Mystic Lake were chosen for the project based on environmental data. These sites will sport beautiful sidewalk murals, to share the message about their importance to the environment. (Image: Artist Robin Jones, working on a sidewalk mural by Bishop School)
“Storm drains are a vital part of our infrastructure, channeling water directly into lakes, ponds, and rivers,” explains Jim Feeney, Arlington Town Manager. “Cleaning a storm drain is just like cleaning the banks of a water body, and hundreds of residents have already signed up to adopt a drain in their neighborhood. These artists are skilled painters whose work connects art and the environment. They’ve done great work calling attention to this issue. We’re grateful to them and to ACAC for supporting this project.”
How can you help? We’re hoping YOU will join this important mission, and ADOPT a drain! So, go take a look at the beautiful artwork, and get involved by adopting a drain near you!
Completed murals include one by Jill Strait near Hardy School that drains into Spy Pond (Brooks Ave. & Lake St.) and another by Raksha Soni, near Thompson School that drains into the Mystic River (Norcross St. and North Union St. There are two more murals in progress that will be installed soon:
- near the Dallin Museum, that drains into Mill Brook (Mass Ave. and Mystic St.) by Jacob Ginga, and
- near Bishop School, that drains into the Lower Mystic Lake (Columbia Rd. and Stowecroft Rd.) by Robin Jones.
The Storm Drain Sidewalk Mural Project demonstrates Arlington’s commitment to fostering a vibrant arts scene while promoting environmental responsibility. All four of these storm drains are available for adoption on the Town’s website. Additional sidewalk mural locations and artists have been identified and Bogdan hopes to repeat the effort next year. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Raksha Soni, near Thompson School
Robin Jones works on a beautiful mural near Bishop School.
Jill Strait shows off a mural completed by the Hardy School.
