CHARLES  RIVER  PARKLANDS  UPDATE
June 2006
Archives—Table of Contents

Skatepark Update

On June 15th, friends of the skatepark gathered to unveil the "Future Home of the Charles River Skatepark" sign. Speakers included Stephen Hines of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, Larry Meehan of the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, artist Nancy Schön, and State Representative and Cambridge City Councilor Timothy Toomey. It was announced that the state legislature has approved $150,000 towards the skatepark. This brings the total raised to over 1.1 million towards the 2.1 million goal.

Now you can support the CRC's efforts by purchasing a Charles River Skatepark sneaker. $10 from every sale goes towards the skatepark. The sneakers are available at Underground Snowboard (behind Ski Market on Commonwealth Avenue) and online at Eastern Boarder.

If you haven't seen the signs yet, they are visible from the commuter rail heading into North Station (near the Boston Duck Tours ramp) and on the on-ramp of I-93 South (from Rutherford Avenue). Click on the following link to see a photo of the new Charles River Skatepark sign.

To learn more about the skatepark and to donate to this exciting project, please visit our Charles River Skatepark section.

CRC on CCTV

The Conservancy has a regular television talk show, which can be viewed on Channel 9 (Cambridge only). Recently, Renata von Tscharner interviewed Frans Lawaetz, founder of the Charles River Swimming Club. The program will be aired on June 28th at 5:30 PM and on June 29th at 11:30 PM. It will be re-aired on July 12th at 5:30 PM and July 13th at 11:30 PM.

Watercolor Workshop

On Saturday, June 3rd, painters gathered at the Cambridge Boat Club to capture the scenery around them. This plein-air watercolor workshop was taught by experienced artist and teacher, Frank Constantino. One participant said, "I never knew painting the rain was so beautiful." Click on the following link to see the watercolor paintings made by the participants. Also, if you are interested in participating in the fall, send us an e-mail at crc@thecharles.org.

Conservancy Happenings in June 2006

During the month of June, the Conservancy Stewardship Initiative held service-learning classes with Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall and Beaver Country Day School. The volunteer program also held invasive species and park beautification events with Boston Cares Springworks, Charles River Conservancy members, University of Virginia Alumni Association, and the Young Alumni Volunteer Association (see pictures of these events).

You can see some of the recent work of the Conservancy Volunteers by visiting Community Boating or the Publick Theater in Herter Park.

To sign up to volunteer or to arrange an event, contact Evan Moss at edm@thecharles.org.

RiverSing 2006

Mark your calendars! RiverSing 2006 has been scheduled for Thursday, September 21st from 6:00-7:30 PM. Join us, along with Revels, and invite your family and friends to welcome the beginning of autumn with singing and celebration at the Weeks Bridge. This year the Conservancy plans to permanently illuminate the Western Avenue Bridge. Click on the following link to see pictures of RiverSing 2005.

We are still looking for sponsors for this event. Please contact Kristen Parkinson at klp@thecharles.org for more details.

Membership Mailing

A few weeks ago we sent out our spring letter. This mailing contains a complimentary watercolor note card and a mini poster. If you did not receive it or you know somebody else who would like to, please send us the contact information at crc@thecharles.org. If you have already sent in your donation, thank you for your support of the Charles River Parklands.

New Faces at the Conservancy

Colin Riley has joined the CRC as the Skatepark Project Manager. Colin is an avid skateboarder and advocate who has visited over 250 skateparks. He received a B.A. in Communications from Manhattanville College and previously worked at Apple Computers. Colin will oversee the successful construction and operation of the skatepark by working with young athletes, corporate sponsors, state agencies, and community organizations.

Nancy Schön, a resident of Newton has joined the CRC's Board of Directors. Best known for her bronze sculptures of "Make Way for Ducklings" in the Boston Public Garden and the "Tortoise and Hare" in Copley Square, she has become a fierce skatepark advocate. Having raised over $250,000 for this world-class facility, she wants to see the Conservancy's effort of "active parklands" expanded.

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!

If you know someone who would enjoy this newsletter, please feel free to pass it along. Interested readers can subscribe to the e-newsletter by clicking here and following the directions on the subscription page.

If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, click here and follow the directions.