CHARLES  RIVER  PARKLANDS  UPDATE
August 2007
Archives—Table of Contents

Charles River Swim Race

On July 21st, 67 swimmers jumped into the Charles River for the first ever Charles River Master Swim Race organized by the Charles River Swimming Club. This swim, which was a mile long loop off the Esplanade between the Longfellow and the Harvard Bridge, was a huge triumph not only for the Charles River, but for everyone involved. The swimmers were all incredibly excited to participate in the first sanctioned swim in over 50 years. The success of this event brought public swimming in the Charles one large step closer towards the ultimate goal of public swimming in the Charles River.

To read the New York Times, Boston Globe, and other articles about the swim, please click here. If you would like to learn more about the Swimmable Charles Initiative, please contact Ben Martens at bdm@thecharles.org. To view the results of the swim, please visit the Charles River Swimming Club at www.charlesriverswimmingclub.org.

Skatepark Update

The CRC recently received a grant of $20,000 from the Rowland Foundation. This brings the total raised to over $1.42 million towards the $2.3 million goal.

A donor has also announced a challenge grant of $50,000 if the CRC can get 100 new donors to contribute by September 30th. Even a $50 contribution counts towards that challenge – a great way for athletes and parents to help make this world-class skatepark happen.

Checks can be sent to the Charles River Conservancy, at 1 Education Street, Cambridge, MA 02141. Please write skatepark challenge on your check. Or donate online, by clicking here.

For more updates about the skatepark, please visit our remodeled webiste at www.charlesriverskatepark.org. Or visit us on MySpace at www.myspace.com/boston_skatepark.

Join Us at Green Masterpieces Concert

On Wednesday, September 5th, the Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters and Boston Landmarks Orchestra’s present Green Masterpieces, an evening of free outdoor music at the Hatch Shell. inspired by nature. The Charles River Conservancy is a sponsor of this concert which begins at 7:00PM and the night promises to be an exciting celebration of our natural landscapes, open space, and the performing arts.

This concert is part of the orchestra’s summer series, “Landmarks Festival at the Shell.” On the program are pieces such as the Symphony Pastorale by Beethoven, the orchestral rendering of Make Way for Ducklings, and Handel’s Water Music. The event promises to be a joyous, fun-filled celebration of nature’s beauty and outdoor spaces, so pack a picnic, bring the family, and enjoy the free music!

For more information, please visit www.landmarksorchestra.org.

RiverSing 2007

Mark your calendars for RiverSing 2007 on Sunday, September 23rd! Be sure to bring your family and friends to join in song and celebration at the Weeks Bridge. Come as early as 5:00PM and bring a picnic. The participatory singing starts at 6:00PM. To request lyrics, please email RiverSing2007@yahoo.com.

For sponsorship information, please contact Jennifer Chu at jyc@thecharles.org.

Bike Ride on Car-Free Storrow Drive

On Sunday, September 23rd, there will be a citywide bike ride which includes parts of Storrow Drive that will be closed for the Hub on Wheels ride. There will be 25 and 45 mile loops through city parks, greenways, neighborhoods, and the waterfront. The race will start at Boston’s City Hall at 8:00AM. For more information, please visit Hub on Wheels’ www.hubonwheels.org.

Contributing to the CRC

The CRC sent out our spring mailing. In case you did not receive it, please let us know and we will send you one right away. If you did receive it and have already sent in your contribution, thank you very much. In case you have not made a contribution yet, we appreciate receiving your check in the near future. Or you can donate online.

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.