Skatepark Update

Conceptual design by Grindline

DCR Issues Request for Proposal  

As the joint press release stated, DCR is committed to using Big Dig Mitigation Funds for construction.  "We look forward to seeing the park built and thriving," said DCR Commissioner Edward Lambert, Jr.  "we hope to find a company that shares our excitement and vision to manage this proposed park once it is completed."   

The Conservancy is also excited to see the project move ahead and looks forward to creating a venue that will complement the North Point Park area, which already includes a playground and lush landscaping.  Click here to read the full press release or here to view the full Request for Proposal (DCR Solicitation #2012 392).

Left: The foundations for the North Bank Pedestrian Bridge, which will run from the Skatepark over the railroad tracks to Revere Park in Charlestown, is now under construction.  The Skatepark site is the staging area.

Right: The pathway that will connect the entrance of the Skatepark and the riverfront is now being built. 

We've been joined in past weeks by groups from KPMG, Altman & Vilandrie, Jumptap, Community Boating, and many individuals.   

A huge thank you to all our volunteers!  

Upcoming Open Volunteer Events

Saturday, September 24th - this event has reached maximum capacity! 

To ensure your space at a future event, sign up for a special day with your company.

Wednesday, October 5th

9:30am-3:30pm

Interested in a unique volunteering opportunity with the Conservancy?  Join Conservancy Volunteers as we cut down brush that are growing in the sea wall along the Charles River.  Volunteers will be working together (from a boat and on land!) to remove and bag shrubbery.  We are offering this special volunteer event in partnership with the Charles River Cleanup Boat .  

For more information or to RSVP for an upcoming event, please contact Danielle Stehlik, Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, at dms@thecharles.org. 

CRC is proud to announce that Conservancy Volunteers has received recent support from our friends at Novartis, Genzyme, REI, and the Watertown Community Foundation.   

8th Annual RiverSing

Join thousands of voices in song - including special musical guests, nationally acclaimed folk singers and recording artists The Nields - as Revels celebrates the approaching Equinox along the banks of the Charles with music, poetry and communal singing at the 8th annual Revels RiverSing, which was co-founded by the Charles River Conservancy.   

The event will take place on September 18th, with song beginning at 6pm.   

Active Parklands 

Sunday Parkland Games

have been CANCELLED this weekend due to weather conditions! 

But join us September 5th thru September 25th in DCR's Herter Park*

 Games & Activities: 2-5pm

August 28th and September 4th: Yoga: 5-6pm  

All active parkland activities are FREE and open to the public!

Parking is available at no charge! 

   For more information, visit  www.thecharles.org.  Weekly updates and weather cancellations will be posted on our Facebook page.   

*Please note that the September 11th Sunday Parkland Game will be held in Cambridge on the riverfront between the Weeks Footbridge and the Anderson Bridge, next to the Weld Boathouse.  Click here for directions. 

Advocacy 

Anderson Underpass Update

The Conservancy continues its efforts to ensure that underpasses are included in the renovations of the Anderson Bridge as part of MassDOT's Accelerated Bridge Program.  This effort is supported by 29 elected officials and 31 organizations.  Click here to read more.  CRC President, Renata von Tscharner, and fellow advocates will be addressing MassDOT about this topic. 

Bottle Bill Update

Join the Conservancy in supporting the Updated MA Bottle Bill.  Earlier this month the Bottle Bill Coalition filed the paperwork needed to add the initiative to the November 2012 statewide ballow, which would allow residents to decide for themselves whether the Bottle Bill should be updated.  A major step for a long overdue update.  Click here to learn more.  

Advocacy efforts require help from concerned citizens like you! 

Boston Landmark Orchestra Concert Series 

Wednesdays thru August 31st, 7:00pm

The Boston Landmarks Orchestra presents exceptional orchestral music performances in significant architectural, historical and geographical settings throughout the Boston area, always free to the public.     

Dancing Under the Stars

Thursdays thru September 8th, 6:30pm

Put on your dancing shoes because The Esplanade Association and World Rhythms Dance & Fitness have teamed up to offer a FREE dance program on the Esplanade in front of the DCR Hatch Shell this summer.  Each week, professional dance instructors will introduce a different style of dance. The evening will begin with one hour of free dance instruction followed by an hour of open dance.  No matter your age or dance experience, Dancing Under the Stars is fun for everyone!

WBZ Free Friday Flicks

Friday, August 26th, 8:00pm 

WBZ NewsRadio 1030 and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) present the 26th Annual Free Friday Flicks movie series at DCR's Hatch Shell on the Esplanade in Boston!  Free Friday Flicks has become a summertime tradition in Boston, attracting thousands of movie-goers to the Esplanade to enjoy classic, family-oriented feature length movies under the stars all summer long.  Click here to view the schedule of movies.   

Tango by Moonlight

Saturday, September 10th, 7:30pm

By the light of the full moon, join the Tango Society of Boston to dance the Argentine Tango, or just to watch and listen.  From 7:30 until 11pm.  Free on the Weeks Footbridge near Harvard Square.  Impromptu 15 minute mini-lessons and demos!