With it's rolling hills, sprawling playground and sweeping views of the Boston skyline, Robbins Farm is a true Arlington treasure. Before becoming a park, the land was farmed for generations by members of the Robbins family, the last of whom, Nathan Robbins, was known to invite town children to play in his fields and orchards. The park was established in 1942 and rededicated in 2003 after significant renovations.
These days, one of the park's top attractions for Arlington children is a pair of long slides built into the hillside above its sprawling woodchip playground, which includes swings, slides and several unusual features, including a child-sized tractor and barn made of wood. Uphill from the playground, park goers will find basketball courts, a baseball diamond and large level playing field for soccer. The farm is also adjacent to the Brackett School playground, which is closed to the public during schools hours.
A popular site for kiting, Robbins Farm also plays host to summertime movies and the town's Fourth of July celebration. The park is supported by the Friends of Robbins Farm Park, which maintains a Web site www.robbinsfarmpark.org. The site includes updates on renovation projects as well as information about the various far-off points visible from the park.
The park is also home to the Robbins Farm Garden, a cooperative agriculture education project. The group maintains a Web site at www.robbinsfarmgarden.org.
Organized teams must request a field permit from the Arlington Recreation Department by calling 781-316-3880 before using town fields.