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 Spy Pond playground, closed since early August because of sand wasps, has reopeneden. The Arlington Health, Recreation, and Public Works departments have been monitoring wasp activity at the playground since its closing. An abundance of wasps posed a safety hazard to visitors. The Park and Recreation Commission will be discussing a long-term solution for the playground surfacing which will help eliminate the situation in future years.
The Town of Arlington thanked residents for patience and understanding during this time.
For additional information please contact Joe Connelly, Director of Recreation at 781-316-3881.
After a number of concerned parents called about the insects, Connelly said, “They are the same wasps that are there annually, but this year they’re extraordinarily bad.”
Although sand wasps do not have a reputation for being aggressive, they can sting if disturbed. The activity around their nests — which resemble anthills — does not usually stop until the weather becomes consistently cooler.
The large number of nests made it impractical to spray them with insecticides, according to Connelly. Exterminators contacted by the city have said that the only way to prevent future infestations is to get rid of the sand.
Connelly expects to bring up the subject of replacing the surface at a recreation department meeting in Seotember. He estimates that it will cost between $5,000 and $7,000 to remove the sand and replace it with mulch, which is the least expensive play surface available.
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Enuma Elish
performs "Metropolis" Thursday, Nov. 20, at 8 p.m. at the Regent
Theater. General admission...
