Note: Special thanks to the Town of Arlington for allowing this cache to be placed. While hunting, please respect the equipment and land as this is an active public water supply providing water to 3 different towns in the area. BYOP, and please replace the container exactly as you found it for the next finder.
The Arlington Heights Reservoir, circa 1921
Wanted to place this cache in honor of the Arlington Heights Reservoir/Park Circle Water Tower. I grew up in Arlington Heights and came to know the structure as a local landmark that sat at the top of the hill that we would drive over to get to Rt. 2.
The first standpipe was erected in 1894 and a tower containing a 550,000 gallon tank was added a year later. In 1899, Arlington joined the Metropolitan Water District and the standpipe began to supply water to the town and the surrounding area. However, it soon became clear that the structure would not be capable of providing water to the adjacent towns. In 1921 the original tower was demolished and replaced with the current structure containing a 1,995,000 gallon tank, completed in 1924. After the expansion of the water tank and structure, the standpipe proved capable of supplying water to not only Arlington, but also the neighboring towns of Lexington (1903) as well as Belmont (1909).
Your cache is not located on the structure itself but is close by within Park Circle. The area is usually muggle-free, however I've seen the DCR stop by to make inspections before, as well as recreational activities that sometimes take place on the lawn so stealth is a must. In order to log you must sign the logbook, saying "I saw it" does not count! If you can't get to it alone, use teamwork or come at night to be less conspicuous. While exploring the area, be sure to pause to read the plaques attached to either side of the tower doors, as well as catch a nearby view of Boston at Robbins Farm Park (see waypoint). There is no explicit parking in this area, but there is street parking nearby in accordance with local laws.
Happy caching! :D
Congratulations to ecstaticbroccoli on the FTF!