Park in Brickbottom neighborhood will merge recreation, public art, and agriculture above massive flood-control infrastructure
SOMERVILLE— A decade in the making, plans for Somerville’s unique ArtFarm park are taking shape. At a public meeting on February 9, City staff will present the latest community-driven designs that aim to transform the city’s former waste transfer site into a creative hub where gardens, public art, and recreational space bloom above a massive underground flood-control system.
Community members are invited to come learn about the project’s history, design development, and key park features – as well as upcoming timelines. Participants can attend either in person or online.
While a new park for Somerville, there’s history here. Designs for ArtFarm were first drawn up in 2014. The idea arose after the demolition of the Waste Transfer Station at 10 Poplar Street left a blank slate. But the City also needed critical stormwater control. So, this being Somerville, a creative plan to do both was hatched.
The park plans were modified to first accommodate the Poplar Street Pump Station (voice.somervillema.gov/poplar-pump) and a 4-million-gallon underground stormwater storage tank under construction since 2023. This two-for-one approach aims to deliver the park atop the critical new infrastructure that will mitigate flooding in the city’s eastern half (including the Ward 2 and 3 areas) as climate change brings more precipitation.
For the surface, residents worked with the Somerville Arts Council and the Public Space and Urban Forestry team to envision a common space that “grows” Somerville’s vibrant arts scene, provides opportunities for recreation, and supports community agriculture.
ArtFarm has since become a key part of the Brickbottom Neighborhood Plan (voice.somervillema.gov/brick) adopted in 2024, calling for the district to be defined by art and creativity. All are invited to learn about the project and what comes next at the upcoming meeting.
Meeting Information:
Date: Monday, February 9, 2026
Location: Triangle Coffee Bar (100 Chestnut St.)
Join via Zoom: bit.ly/4sWOnf8
For more information and to stay up to date with this project, visit voice.somervillema.gov/poplar-artfarm.