The Arlington Reservoir, known locally as "the Res," is a man-made pond built in 1871 by damming Munroe Brook that served as Arlington's water supply until 1899 and is now the town's chlorinated, lifeguarded swim beach in summer.
What to expect
Parking
Paid lot included with admission
Entry fee
Beach admission: $15 adult / $10 senior or child (2-17) day pass; $10/$5 twilight (after 5pm); free under 2. Walking the grounds outside the fenced beach area is free.
Dogs
Dogs are prohibited in the fenced swim-beach area during the summer season (roughly June 1-Aug 31); leash rules elsewhere around the reservoir follow the town's general off-leash schedule
Banned now · back Aug 31Hours
Beach open daily 9am-dusk during the summer season
Accessibility
Full ADA parking and path access; two floating Mobi-Chair beach wheelchairs available on request from beach staff
Swim
Allowed mid-June to late August, lifeguarded
Kayak
Allowed year-round, non-motorized only
Fishing
Allowed year-round
Managed by
Arlington Recreation & Community Services
781-316-3880 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Paid lot
Costincluded with admission
What's here
On site
Changing rooms
New bathhouse with changing rooms
Common questions
Is Arlington Reservoir open today?
Arlington Reservoir is a public pond in Arlington, MA. Posted hours: Beach open daily 9am-dusk during the summer season.
Can I swim at the Reservoir?
Yes, at the fenced, filtered, lifeguarded beach area during the mid-June to late-August season; there is a day admission fee.
Non-motorized boats are allowed on the reservoir with a launch point near the Lowell Street entrance, separate from the fenced swim beach.
Where do I park at Arlington Reservoir?
Paid lot (included with admission).
Is there an entry fee at Arlington Reservoir?
Yes, Beach admission: $15 adult / $10 senior or child (2-17) day pass; $10/$5 twilight (after 5pm); free under 2. Walking the grounds outside the fenced beach area is free.
Can I bring my dog to Arlington Reservoir?
Dogs are prohibited in the fenced swim-beach area during the summer season (roughly June 1-Aug 31); leash rules elsewhere around the reservoir follow the town's general off-leash schedule
Is Arlington Reservoir wheelchair accessible?
Full ADA parking and path access; two floating Mobi-Chair beach wheelchairs available on request from beach staff
What rules should I know at Arlington Reservoir?
Only US Coast Guard-approved flotation devices are permitted in the swim area. No grilling, alcohol, smoking, tents, or canopies on the beach; standard umbrellas are allowed.