Around Town

City Will Begin Designing Watertown Square Soon, Construction Many Months Away

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Erika Jerram, the City of Watertown’s Director of Community Design, speaks to a group at a Watertown Business Coalition event. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

After a flurry of activity during the planning stages for Watertown Square, there has been a lull in the process. City officials said the action will begin again in the near future but the shovels won’t be hitting the ground for up to two years.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Department Welcomes Newest Officer

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New Watertown Police Officer Francis Yannizzi is sworn in by City Clerk Noelle Gilligan. (Photo by WPD)

The Watertown Police Department welcomed its newest officer on July 11, 2025. See the announcement posted on the WPD social media below.

The Watertown Police Department proudly swore in Officer Francis Yannizzi as the newest member of our team.

Schools

Watertown Engineering Teacher Learning About STEM Careers in Construction Sector

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WHS engineering and robotics teacher Jason Welch

The following announcement was provided by Associated General Contractors of Mass.:

Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts (AGC MA) will present its fifth annual Building Advancement Externship (BAE) program from Monday, August 4 – Friday, August 8. The program exposes educators to a wide array of STEM-based careers in the construction sector and prompts greater awareness of professional work opportunities for young people. Jason Welch, engineering and robotics teacher at Watertown High School, is one of 15 educators to be selected for the program.

Around Town

Reopening of Arsenal Park Celebrates a Bright Future for a Site Filled with History

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The new play structure at Arsenal Park features a slide that begins 20 feet above the ground. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

On a hot afternoon, the new playground at Arsenal Park bubbled with activity. Children lined up on the stairway up to the two-story high slide, and then cooled off in the new splash pad. These are just some of the features of the renovated park that was officially re-opened on July 15.

Around Town

City Calls for Art to Revitalize Coolidge Square During Mt. Auburn St. Construction

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A map of Coolidge Square showing possible installation locations.

The City of Watertown today announced “Open for Business,” a new public art initiative inviting artists and artist teams to submit proposals for temporary outdoor art installations in Coolidge Square. This project aims to maintain the vibrancy of the neighborhood and support local businesses during the ongoing reconstruction of Mount Auburn Street.