CHARLES  RIVER  PARKLANDS  UPDATE
Fwbruary 2006
Archives—Table of Contents

Progress on Swimming Issues

Bill H-1359, proposed by State Representative Alice Wolf, calls for the creation of a commission to study the Charles River with the express goal of reinstating public swimming. This bill was reported out by the Joint Committee on the Environment with the recommendation that it should pass. To read the text of House Bill 1359 click here. To share with us your recollection about swimming in the Charles (or your parents’ or grandparents’) e-mail crc@thecharles.org.

Parkway Update

Nonantum Road Tragedy and Hope for the Future
The death of two people on Nonantum Road in Newton has finally accelerated the commissioning of the traffic calming study that was included in last year’s budget. Narrowing the road and widening the pathway is the goal of this effort. To read a letter regarding this issue from the Conservancy to the Newton TAB in May 2005, click here.

Storrow Drive Tunnel
Public meetings about the anticipated repair work on the tunnel near the Hatch Shell have given all interested parties an overview of the challenges of this “little dig.” The CRC calls for a larger urban design vision that must not be limited to the immediate surroundings. Above all, Storrow Drive is part of the Parklands and a project of this magnitude must bring substantial additional benefits for non-car users. For more information about the Storrow Drive Tunnel Project, click here.

Conservancy Volunteer Update

In February, our intrepid volunteers worked on tree pruning in both Cambridge and Allston/Brighton. Teams have included members of the Head of the Charles, MIT's Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, and numerous repeat CRC volunteers. Thank you all for your great work!

The Conservancy Volunteer program is a wonderful way for friends and colleagues to work together and improve a natural resource. If you would like to schedule an event for your school, company, or organization, please contact our Conservancy Volunteer coordinator Evan Moss at elm@thecharles.org or the telephone number shown in the column to the left.

CRC and Skatepark in the News

Expected state funding for the skatepark and the possibility of large events, such as the X-Games, coming to Boston are the subject of an article in the Beacon Hill Times on February 14th. The CRC has raised a total of $860,644 to date for the skatepark campaign. To learn more about this world class skatepark or to contribute to the effort click here.

Job Openings at the Conservancy

Development Director or Consultant
The Charles River Conservancy is looking for someone with great writing skills, a creative mind, solid office experience, willingness to work hard, and a passion for the Charles River Parklands. Please visit the employment section of our website for more information.

Parklands Ambassadors Coordinator
The Charles River Conservancy seeks a volunteer manager of the Parkland Ambassadors program, a new initiative of the Charles River Conservancy to promote, expand, and enhance public knowledge and use of the Charles River Parklands. Please visit the employment section of our website for more information.

Membership Mailing

In a few weeks we will be mailing out our spring letter. If you know somebody who you think would enjoy receiving it, please send us their contact information at crc@thecharles.org.

The Charles River Conservancy takes as its mission the renewal and stewardship of the Charles River Parklands and their surroundings, particularly parks, parkways and bridges. The Conservancy engages in numerous Parklands restoration and improvement initiatives, including access and safety, education and outreach, and planning and maintenance programs, and relies heavily on individual contributions. To support the Charles River Conservancy, click here. Thank you!

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