CHARLES  RIVER  PARKLANDS  UPDATE
May 2009
Archives—Table of Contents

Help with our Spring Appeal!

We at the Conservancy  believe—as I know you do, too—that people are happier and healthier when they have Parklands that are accessible, safe, clean, lively, and well maintained. 

This work becomes even more important in times of an economic downturn when people need not only beautiful outdoor spaces that lift their spirits, but also opportunities to gather and enjoy each other as members of one community. Please give generously to the Conservancy this spring. Without you, our Parklands lose their voice, as well as the care and attention they deserve.

This spring, give securely online or send a check to the CRC at Four Brattle Street, Cambridge MA 02138.

Thank you for your support!

Parkways Advocacy Still Needed

The issue of whether or not to transfer the historic parkways from the state's park agency DCR to the Mass Highway Department now rests with Senate President Therese Murray, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, and a Conference Committee consisting of the following legislators:  Sen. Steven Baddour, Sen. Stephen Brewer, Sen. Robert Hedlund, Rep. Joseph Wagner, Ways and Means Chairman Rep. Charley Murphy, and Rep. George Peterson. 

Please continue to help us advocate for keeping the parkways with DCR. We ask you to contact Senate President Murray and House Speaker DeLeo and make your voice heard.

Ask them to keep both the parkways and the bridges under DCR control.

Sen. Therese Murray
Therese.Murray@state.ma.us
617-722-1500

Rep. Robert DeLeo
Robert.DeLeo@state.ma.us
617-722-2500

Charles River Swim Race Fully Booked 

Cheer on a healthy river and healthy swimmers at The Third Annual Charles River One Mile Swim on Sunday, June 21st at 8 am on the Esplanade. This race celebrates efforts that have gone into cleaning the river and also serves to advocate for a return of public recreational swimming. The race, organized by the Charles River Swimming Club and supported by the Conservancy, is already fully booked with 150 participants, but spectators are encouraged to attend and view the exhibit "Swimming in the Swiss Style." For more information click here or email Karen Patterson Greene at kpg@thecharles.org.

Conservancy Volunteers

April was a busy month for the Conservancy Volunteers, with over 700 people joining us for the tenth annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup, as well as fantastic events with Novartis, Living Proof, Inc., the West End House, Friends of the Watertown Riverfront, and students from BU Law School.

We will continue working along the banks of the river and have an open event for individuals interested in volunteering on Saturday, May 30th. We'd love to have you out, and if you're interested please contact John Broderick at jrb@thecharles.org. 

To volunteer, or arrange an event with your corporation or organization, please contact Stewardship Program Manager Evan Moss at elm@thecharles.org.

Skatepark Update 

On May 14th, Conservancy representatives met with EOEEA's Undersecretary Phillip Griffith and DCR staff to discuss the potential for using public funding to build the skatepark. This funding will allow the money raised by the CRC to be used for ongoing operation and maintenance of the facility. Stay tuned for updates. A skatepark film documenting the luncheon with Carolyn and Peter Lynch, Mayor Thomas Menino and many other elected officials can now be viewed online by clicking here.

New Hiring at the Conservancy

The Conservancy is pleased to announce another new member to our parklands team: Ann Bausman was recently hired as our Development Associate. Ann resides in Arlington and would be glad to discuss fundraising ideas or planned giving with you. She can be reached at akb@thecharles.org.

Environmental Budget

Much of the state budget is feeling the strain of cuts, and the newest versions of our budget have environmental programs losing over 12% of their funding. Our federal government is taking initiative to make our path to the future much greener, giving our state a federal influx of environmental funding. Our own state should follow this example!

Please help us tell our representatives to stop slashing the environmental budget. They need to hear from everyone who cares about the environment in Massachusetts, so please take action today! Contact your State Senator or Senator Stephen Panagiotakos, Chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, at 617-722-1481 or by email at Steven.Panagiotakos@state.ma.us.

May and June Parklands Show Schedule

May 27th

Rebroadcast of State Representative Jonathan Hecht with host Renata von Tscharner.

June 10th

Rebroadcast of William Clendaniel of the Mount Auburn Cemetery with host Renata von Tscharner.

The Conservancy on YouTube!

If you miss our show on local access television you can still access most shows on Youtube by clicking here. Shows include videos of the 2008 Charles River Swim Race and a great variety of Parklands programs. Suggestions for future shows are welcome! Please contact John Broderick at jrb@thecharles.org.

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