Around Town

State Looking for Lifeguards for DCR Pools & Beaches, Offering Bonuses

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The DCR’s Dealtry Pool in Watertown. The following information was provided by the Department of Conservation and Recreation:

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced the agency is accepting applications for lifeguards, swim instructors and other pool and waterfront roles across the state for the 2024 summer season. Qualified candidates, who apply early and work through the end of the season, can earn up to $1,250 in bonuses, in addition to a competitive hourly rate of between $22 and $27, dependent on the position and associated certifications. 

“Every summer, we welcome thousands of children and families from all over to our beautiful beaches and pools,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Hiring qualified and trained lifeguard and water safety staff is critical to ensuring we can provide our residents and visitors with a fun, safe and enjoyable summer.”  

“As a former lifeguard, I know firsthand what a great summer job it is – you’ll get to spend your summer outdoors, make good money, and potentially help save some lives,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “DCR lifeguards also become leaders in their communities – they are first responders trained to prevent injuries and calmly and efficiently prevent a crisis at our waterfronts and pools.

Around Town

See When DCR Camp Sites Can be Reserved

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The Department of Conservation and Recreation sent out the following announcement:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced that reservations for camping at parks across Massachusetts will open to the public on March 6, 2024, at 9 a.m. Visitors can make reservations for one of DCR’s campgrounds up to four months in advance of their arrival date through ReserveAmerica. Reservations are available for DCR’s 25 campgrounds beginning in April and running through October.  

“One of our goals at DCR is to get more families outside and exploring our state’s beautiful natural resources,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “We know fresh air and the outdoors play a critical role, not only for our physical health but our mental health. Camping in our DCR parks is a fantastic opportunity for people to experience nature, and we hope to see some new faces during the 2024 camping season.” 

Over the past year, DCR has made significant investments in many of our campgrounds across the state. The campground at Mohawk Trail State Forest underwent a $1.4 million renovation following the discovery of algae in the water source feeding the bathhouses in February 2023, including installing a new water system, repaving the campground’s roads, replacing roofs on the cabins and administrative buildings, upgrading the bathroom facilities, and repairing and restoring the chimneys in the Civilian Conservation Corps-era (CCC) cabins.

Around Town

February Vacation Activities Available at DCR Properties

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The following information was provided by the Department of Conservation and Conservation:

The Department of Recreation and Conservation (DCR) announced its plans today to help make February school vacation week a walk in the park for parents. From guided hikes to animal tracking, craft making, and maple sugaring, the agency is offering 81 free or low-cost engaging and educational activities for kids and families across the state from Saturday, February 17, through Sunday, February 25. The programming is part of DCR’s commitment to expanding access to Massachusetts’ State Park system, while also inspiring kids to get outdoors and fostering a connection with the environment.  

“School may be out, but the learning doesn’t have to stop. Our February break programming is a tremendous way to connect kids and nature and help us grow the next generation of environmental stewards,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo.

Around Town

Charles River in Watertown to be Treated for Invasive Plant Species

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MassDCR announced that a stretch of the Charles River in Watertown will be treated for invasive aquatic plant species this week. See the announcement below. On Thursday, August 24, 2023, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will conduct invasive aquatic species control work in the Charles River from approximately the Newton Yacht Club in the City of Newton to the Arsenal Street Bridge in the City of Boston. The Charles River will remain open to the public, however, DCR encourages those on the river that day to avoid the treatment area and the treatment vessels. If left unmanaged, invasive aquatic species will outcompete native plant species and inhibit water flow and recreational access. Alternative local state parks include the downstream portions of the Charles River Reservation in the City of Boston, Mystic River Reservation in the City of Medford, Beaver Brook Reservation in the Town of Belmont and Middlesex Fells Reservation in the Town of Stoneham.  

WHERE:  Charles River from the Newton Yacht in the City of Newton to the Arsenal Street Bridge in the City of Boston 

WHEN: Thursday, August 24, 2023 

Around Town

DCR Announces Arsenal Street Lane Closures Beginning This Week

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A lane will be closed on the east end of Arsenal Street, the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation announced. The DCR sent out the following announcement:

Beginning on Monday, August 21, 2023, and continuing through Friday, September 8, 2023, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will close the right lane of Arsenal Street (westbound) from Greenough Boulevard to Greenough Boulevard in the Town of Watertown to accommodate curbing and guardrail installation work. Traffic patterns will be clearly marked, and a police detail will be on site.  

WHERE: Arsenal Street (westbound) from Greenough Boulevard to Greenough Boulevard in the Town of Watertown 

WHEN: Monday, August 21, 2023 – Friday, September 8, 2023 

Around Town

Section of Charles River Trail to be Closed for Repair Work

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Charlie BreitrosePart of the path along the Charles River will be closed Aug. 7-11 so the trail can be resurfaced. The Department of Conservation and Recreation announced that part of the trail along the Charles River will be closed this week. The following announcement was provided by the DCR:

On Monday, August 7, 2023, through Friday, August 11, 2023, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will continue to implement a closure of the Watertown Riverfront Park Trail between Watertown Square and the Perkins School for the Blind and in the City of Watertown from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to accommodate trail resurfacing work that was delayed due to weather. Additionally, Charles River Road (eastbound) and the southern sidewalk between Paul Street and Bay Street may be closed intermittently to accommodate the movement of construction equipment. Fencing and signage will be posted for the duration of the work.

Around Town

City Council Urges State to Remove Watertown Dam

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Charlie BreitroseThe Watertown Dam near Watertown Square slows the flow of the Charles River. A group is advocating removing the dam. The City Council sent a letter to State officials in support of removing the “Watertown DCR Dam” from the Charles River, near Watertown Square. The Council cited climate resilience, rebuilding the population of fish species in the Charles, and the opposition of the dam by indigenous people in the letter. While the dam is located on a stretch of the river in Watertown’s city limits, the Charles and its shores are controlled by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

City Council

City Council Wants to Talk to DCR About Closing of Greenough Blvd.

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City Councilors have invited representatives from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to talk about the status of Greenough Boulevard in 2022, and whether it will once again be closed to traffic for several months. City Council President Mark Sideris said he would like the Council to have discussions with officials from the State agency that owns the roadway known as “Little Greenough,” which runs along the Charles River from Arsenal to North Beacon streets. “A year ago, this came before Council and we wrote a letter saying we want to have discussions, and DCR basically closed Little Greenough without any further talks with the City,” Sideris said. “I have spoken to (state) Sen. (Will) Brownsberger and he thought it was appropriate that we ask that they come talk to the Committee.” 

A screenshot of a Google Map showing the section of Greenough Boulevard closed by the DCR for recreation use in 2021. It stretches from North Beacon Street to Arsenal Street.