CHARLES  RIVER  PARKLANDS  UPDATE
September 2002
Archives—Table of Contents

Advocating for the Parklands

The outlook is bright with so many outstanding groups . . .

A host of dynamic organizations are committed to ensuring the renewal of the Charles River Parklands. Each has unique capabilities and resources. Collectively they give assurance that in the long term their sense of purpose and energy will result in a strengthened and enduring stewardship for the Parklands, the larger MDC system and other greenspaces throughout Greater Boston.

While the CRC works with individual groups on specific projects and policy issues, there are several coalitions in which we participate on a regular basis. By meeting regularly, sharing information and acting in concert we are able to strengthen and leverage our advocacy.

Among the many organizations and municipal authorities with which we work are the . . .

Cambridge and Watertown Conservation Commissions - Under state law, these standing committees are appointed by municipal administrations and mandated to carry out the agenda of the complying with the Wetlands Protection Act. With respect to the Parklands, riverbank maintenance plans are a particular concern given the invasive character of certain species and such pressing issues as shoreline erosion. Cambridge has approved such a plan, while it is anticipated one for Watertown will be completed soon.

Clean Charles Coalition - Composed of representatives of corporations and institutions that are river abutters, as well as other environmental groups, the Coalition meets monthly. A new Clean Charles brochure will be available in the Charles River Conservancy booth at the Head of the Charles Regatta at the Herter Park finish line on October 20th.

Charles River Watershed Team - This state-sponsored effort led by Sara Cohen brings together all the agencies that work on river issues. They include municipal conservation commissions and public works departments, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Metropolitan District Commission and more. The Team plans a Parklands User Survey for next year.

Restoration Advisory Board - This group, led jointly by a representative of the Army and the Watertown community, oversees the federally-funded clean-up effort of the Arsenal. Some sites, such as Squibnocket Park and the GSA site on Greenough Boulevard, are located in the parklands and are of particular concern to the CRC.

Boston Greenspace Alliance - This umbrella organization advocates for parks and open space throughout the city. The Alliance plays a leading role in the development of the Rose Kennedy Greenway, a planned surface artery park above the Big Dig. Just as the Emerald Necklace is contiguous to the Charles River Parklands, the Greenway will eventually connect to the Parklands.

Citizen's Advisory Committee for the New Basin - Of critical importance to the extension of the Charles River Parklands, this group oversees the construction of footbridges and new parks east of the Science Museum, all as part of Big Dig mitigation efforts on the Charles River. North Point and Revere Parks and Nashua Meadows are new park initiatives under the oversight of the CAC. The Charles River Conservancy is advocating for a skatepark and long-term maintenance programs in this "Lost Half Mile" of the Charles River.

Historic Parkways Initiative - The state's Executive Office of Environmental Affairs - EOEA - in partnership with the MDC (with funding from the utility company NStar and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology), initiated the work now underway along much of the Cambridge Esplanade. This includes Memorial Drive west from the Longfellow Bridge, eventually reaching Magazine Beach. The Historic Parkways Initiative will dramatically increase Parklands greenspace, add new amenities for walkers and bikers and calm traffic.

Other agencies and groups with which the CRC works include . . . the Allston Brighton Historical Society, Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods, Boston University, Boys and Girls Clubs, Central Artery, Charles River Canoe & Kayak, Charles River Watershed Association, Cambridge Arts Council, Citizen Schools, Community Boating, Conservation Law Foundation, EOEA, Esplanade Association, Friends of Herter Park, Friends of Magazine Beach, Friends of Riverbend Park, Harvard University, Mass-achusetts Audubon Society, MassBike, Mass-achusetts Historical Commission, MDC, The MIT Press, MIT, National Park Service, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, Shady Hill School, Walk Boston and Watertown Citizens for Environmental Safety, plus many more to whom we extend our thanks and continuing best wishes.

Charles River Parklands is published by The Charles River Conservancy, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of the Basin parklands of the Charles River.

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Email: crc@thecharles.org

 
© 2002, The Charles River Conservancy.