This month, Live Well Watertown is hosting free dance lessons on four Tuesdays, and the Watertown Walks series continues.
The following information was provided by Live Well Watertown, a program of the City of Watertown:
Thrive in Motion Class: Salsa in Saltonstall Park!
Tuesdays, Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25
7 – 8:15 p.m.
NO REGISTRATION
NO CLASS IF RAINING
Thrive in Motion: Dance & Wellness Series
Move your body, lift your mood, and connect in community! This series blends energizing dance fitness with conversations about stress relief, wellness, and resilience in a welcoming environment. No dance experience needed — just come as you are.
What to bring: A water bottle, a towel (for use during class and to sit on during outdoor sessions), and comfortable clothing and shoes that allow for ease of movement.
Taught by: Cecilia Plotkin
Watertown Walks
Thursdays, Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27
Summer Walks are from 10 – 11 a.m.
*Note meetup location for each walk
(Please note the Aug. 27th Walk & Talk is at 5 p.m.)
August 6th – City Happenings / Resident Advisory Committee
Meet Up at: Saltonstall Park, next to City Hall
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Learn about the Residents’ Advisory Committee! Their work supports the recruitment, evaluation, and selection of candidates for the City’s volunteer Boards, Commissions, and Committees. The committee works with the City Manager to promote inclusive policies and encourage a diverse pool of applicants.
August 13th – Wellness Walk / Self-Care for Helpers
Meet Up at: Wayside Multi Service Center, 127 North Beacon St.
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Join clinical social worker and Wayside staff member Lauren Morton for a refreshing Self‑Care Walk for Helpers. Whether you support others professionally or personally, you deserve time to recharge. Lauren will share brief educational insights and guide participants through a calming mindfulness activity to help you reconnect and refuel. This is a residential area, free on street parking available, based on availability.
August 20th – Public Arts & Culture Walk / Move with Murals
Meet Up at: Merchant’s Row, next to CVS on Main Street
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Jan Taylor, Public Arts & Culture Committee member, will facilitate this walk and move program inspired by some of the vibrant murals in the Watertown Square area.
August 27th – Walk N Talk
TBD
Time: 5 – 6 p.m.
Meetup location: TBD
In collaboration with Watertown Business Coalition
Registration opens in mid-August:
RSVP HERE
Weekly programs will include movement, conversation, and opportunities to connect, interact, and explore the greater community. The walking portion of these programs will be approximately 30-40 minutes, and we encourage attendees to walk at a comfortable pace. Note location of meet-up which varies. Walks will not take place if it’s raining or if there is a heat advisory.
Each month will feature city happenings, health and wellness, arts & culture, and community/business assets (some walks will be in collaboration with the Watertown Public Arts & Culture Committee and Watertown Business Coalition).
I would love to attend the Summer Salsa at Saltonstall Park as an observer since I need to use a rollator. It is advised to bring a towel to sit on the grass, which is impossible for me and others in my situation. Which brings me to my continued complaint: there are almost no BENCHES in the Park. And certainly none that encourage a group of friends to gather in a seating area that is meant to encourage talking, playing cards/games or watching Salsa classes. The park was closed for a long time for promised upgrades and I don’t know how much taxpayers’ money was used, but you actually took away some of the benches! It was bad before the renovation but even worse now. I don’t know which genius made these decisions, but I’d rather the “genius “ be fired and replaced with anyone with common sense. Are you afraid that friends will “hang out” at the park? That’s what parks are for, get it? My complaint, shared with many friends and neighbors, has fallen on deaf ears, with no acknowledgment, although I have voiced it at council meetings and have written to the city council about it.
There are only 2 benches on the diagonal sidewalk. Two have been removed from the Main Street edge of the park. Who decided that? If it was discussed and decided by the entire council, maybe all of you should go to the Emerald City and ask the Wizard for both a heart and a brain.
Hi Kathy,
First, I love the way you express yourself! Saltonstall Park, of all of our city parks, by its design and location is Watertown’s pride and joy, but you don’t see many people lingering there, unless there’s an event like the farmer’s market or a concert. But a lot of people walk through Saltonstall Park each day and just keep going.
I remember going on one of the initial walk-throughs before the new park plans were developed, and I remember Council President Sideris pointing to the wall and remarking that that wall or something equivalent needed to stay, because many people gathered there, sat and visited. He said that he would hate to see that activity disappear. I think he was right about that.
But sitting on walls is not appropriate or doable for all of us. I think that all you’re asking for is an expansion of that concept, making Saltonstall more of a full-time people’s park. I could get behind that idea. A few more benches, placed in the shade and positioned in a way that would not give you and your fellow bench sitters the feeling that you’re strangers waiting for a bus would return more value for the two million plus dollars that was spent on this park.
As for salsa dancing lessons…great idea! Thanks Live Well Watertown, Watertown Public Arts and Culture Commission and Watertown Business Coalition for these fun ways to keep mind and body fit!
I agree, lack of benches, where did the taxpayer money go??? It was fine before “renovation “!
Saltonstall Park’s renovations are a huge disappointment. The park is simply NOT. user friendly. You’re right about benches having been removed from the Main Street side of the park. And couldn’t we have two benches facing each other instead of facing the street? I think whoever came up with plans for the park was more interested in design than in use. Additionally, the metal benches are incredibly uncomfortable – especially for an aging body. And after the black metal has been heating in the sun, anyone who sits on a bench will have grill marks on their backside!
The commenters above are on point. A park should encourage people to gather, to enjoy a peaceful moment in a natural environment and perhaps even interact with one’s fellow townsfolk. So a park must have features that encourage use and socializing. Bocci anyone? A peaceful rose garden to sit in?
The stage portion was botched by the project leads. They refused good advice from the entertainment profession, probably due to their own professional ego. So Watertown didn’t get something as useful as it could have been, something that could grow to meet future needs. One doesn’t build for the present; one builds for the future.