A group of Somerville residents around Olive Square at the corner of Lake Street and Hawkins Street were instrumental in planning a Neighborway from Hawkins Street to Market Basket.

This is a semi-industrial, semi-residential intersection south of Union Square. Thinking about traffic calming asphalt art, the residents decided that they wanted a “Fake Lake” to celebrate their street name.

Painting clear corners narrowed the visual traffic lane, slowed traffic and suggested no-parking zones near the intersection. We arrived at a design of bright blue “lakes” with fish, plants and lily pads.

Paint Day installation happened in 2022. Due to the evolving nature of the street, much of it was temporary, but it created a standout community-building event and a building block for future ideas.