Lynch Family Skatepark

Save the Date: December 15

Join the CRC for a forum discussion to explore ways art can be used as a tool for supporting inclusion and resilience at the Lynch Family Skatepark. Designed in partnership with project co-leaders and local organizations, the public forum will draw on art practices and group activities to discuss ongoing skatepark initiatives. We are excited to hear your great ideas and visions as we take steps to establish a community driven strategy for an impactful public artwork at the skatepark. Stay tuned for more information on our social media! 

Photos by Clyde Carmant

Floating Wetland

Winterizing the Wetland!

Don't be alarmed when you catch the floating wetland on the move! It's that time of the year where the floating wetland will move from its current location to the MIT Sailing Pavilion where it can shelter from the harsh Boston winter. The wetland will return to its spot in early Spring. Follow us on social media for updates on the floating wetland!

Wrapping up C.R.E.W.'s First Year

This was the inaugural year for our C.R.E.W. (Charles River Environmental Watch) program. Six volunteers were trained and assigned a stretch of park for litter removal, invasive species monitoring, infrastructure and plant health observations, and to act as park ambassadors. Between May and November of 2022, the C.R.E.W. spent a combined 27.5 hours monitoring the parks. Collectively, they removed 15 bags of trash from their sites and were able to highlight issues such as benches in need of painting, damaged signs, and spots of graffiti. Thank you to all of our dedicated and wonderful C.R.E.W. volunteers!

In 2023, C.R.E.W. will be growing and expanding in scope. Stay tuned for more information about openings.

October Recap

What a beautiful month October was to be working out in the Charles River Parks! Our hardworking volunteers accomplished a lot! We focused much of our efforts on litter removal, both pre- and post- Head of the Charles Regatta, to ensure a safe and clean environment for all to enjoy.

• Accent Therapeutics worked in Herter Park and removed 100 pounds of litter.
• Cerevel painted benches, removed litter, and cut back vegetation along Cambridge Parkway.
• BB&N middle school students supported Herter Park by removing litter.
• Service Star Kids removed litter along Nonantum Road.
• Media Hub refreshed wood chip rings around trees, removed invasive bittersweet vines, raked leaves, and removed 69 pounds of litter at Magazine Beach.
• Alexandria Real Estate removed litter in Herter Park and raked leaves at the Herter Park Theater.
• Many wonderful community volunteers raked leaves and removed litter at the Herter Park Theater.

Advocacy

Harvard's Chapter 91 License Renewal

On November 7th, the CRC submitted comments on the Ch. 91 review process for Harvard's proposed renovations of the Weld and Newell boathouses, which will continue to limit the public’s access to the riverfront. We urge the Department of Environmental Protection to require Harvard to mitigate this loss by providing critical amentities, such as year-round public bathrooms and water fountains, and to help advance DCR's recently completed Herter Park Master Plan.

Photo via David L. Ryan/Globe Staff

Supporter Spotlight

Wagner Foundation

We are thrilled to be a recipient of a multi-year grant from the Wagner Foundation, a Boston-based foundation whose vision is a just and robust community where everyone is valued equally and has the ability to imagine, shape, pursue, and sustain the lives they wish to lead. They are committed to expanding cultural access which aligns with the CRC's work to define the Charles River parks as a platform for community and cultural life. Their support helps to enable programming at the skatepark, floating wetland educational partnerships, and more! Thank you to the Wagner Foundation for supporting the Charles River and its beautiful parks!

Instagram Action

The CRC was a recipient of Dine Out Boston's fundraiser! They raise funds for charitable organizations in Boston during their signature foodie event by accepting gift certificates from participating restaurants. Dine Out Boston raised $4,100 on behalf of the CRC which will go towards supporting our mission of improving the Charles River and its parks!