CHARLES  RIVER  PARKLANDS  UPDATE
November 2006
Archives—Table of Contents

Funding to Resurface Pathways

The Conservancy has raised $22,722 from foundations and bicyclists to resurface the worst stretches of south shore pathways along the Charles. These funds will be doubled with a matching grant from the Office of Public Private Partnerships (OPP) of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA), and the Solomon Foundation has also generously donated $25,000 towards this effort which will be matched by EOEA. Joggers, bicyclists, and in-line skaters will have a chance for two more weeks to increase this number: any further donations will be matched by the CRC and doubled by the EOEA. Click here to download the donor form.

Biking and Walking News

The DCR collaborated with LivableStreets to make bicycle improvements to Longfellow Bridge by striping a 5 foot wide bicycle lane. This action was accomplished as part of a larger striping initiative, including the addition of crosswalks at Soldier’s Field Road and Arsenal Street Bridge in Brighton and at Memorial Drive and JFK in Cambridge. Click on the following link if you would like to read the policy paper on pedestrian safety prepared for the new administration by WalkBoston.

Conservancy Volunteers Making a Difference

Many thanks to The Prospect Hill Charter School, Beacon Academy, Bank of America Investment Services, Inc., BU Hillel, and many of our individual Conservancy Volunteers for coming out and volunteering with us this November. (See also newest photos of volunteer events between June and October.) We look forward to wrapping up 2006 with several tree pruning events this December.

If you would like to schedule an event for your school, company, or organization please contact Evan Moss at elm@thecharles.org or the telephone number shown in the column to the left.

A New Face at the Conservancy

We are pleased to welcome aboard Sona Desai as the new Executive Assistant at the Charles River Conservancy. Sona has spent the past eight years actively involved in Vermont’s agricultural community and has recently completed a master’s degree in environmental law at Vermont Law School. She is looking forward to helping make the Charles River Parklands more active and attractive.

Skatepark Update

Fundraising levels are now at over $1.2 million towards the overall goal of $2.3m. On November 17, over 70 skateboard advocates gathered at the home of Nancy Schon for an evening in support of the project. Guests included Mark Maloney of the BRA, Larry Meehan of the GBCVB and State Representative Kay Khan.

The Charles River Skatepark Project also hosted a booth at the Boston Snow Sports Show where new skatepark t-shirt and key rings were available. Sponsors for the booth included Red Bull, Oakley, and the CambridgeSide Galleria. In the upcoming weeks several items, including a sporty silk tie and the aforementioned key ring and t-shirt will be available. Show your support for the skatepark in time for the Christmas season! For information about skatepark items, upcoming events, and ways to donate visit www.charlesriverskatepark.org.

Skatepark Film on CCTV

The new video about the Charles River Skatepark will be aired on CCTV (Channel 9 in Cambridge only) today, Wednesday November 22nd, at 5.30 pm and again at 12.30 am. The film discusses many aspects of the proposed skatepark and features interviews with Carolyn Lynch of The Peter and Carolyn Lynch Foundation, professional skateboarder Andy McDonald, and local artist Nancy Schön.

Fall Newsletter Mailing

We recently mailed out a copy of Parklands, our printed fall newsletter. If you wish to receive a copy please send your mailing address to crc@thecharles.org.

If you would like to contribute to the Charles River Conservancy’s Annual Appeal, you can do so by check or credit card.

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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