Around Town

Installation of New Pedestrian Bridge Over Charles River Delayed

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Originally scheduled to be installed in November, the debut of the new pedestrian bridge over the Charles River has been pushed back to December at the earliest. Conservation Commission Chairman Leo Martin provided an update on the project during the board’s meeting last week. Martin spoke to officials from the Department of Conservation and Recreation, which oversees the Charles and the area around it. “The problem is the fabrication of the bridge is ongoing,” Martin said. “Originally a firm from North Carolina was supposed to build it.

Environment

Charles River Watershed Group Pushing for Removal of Watertown Dam

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A short distance from Watertown Square the waters of the Charles River back up in a placid pool and then cascade several feet down into an area frequented by birds and other animals. This area, however, could be vastly changed if the Watertown Dam, which holds back the river, is removed as proposed by the Charles River Watershed Association (CWRA). 

A dam was first built in the location in 1632 as a fish weir. The dam was rebuilt in 1962 after it suffered damage from flooding in 1918 and Hurricane Diane in 1955. Earlier this month, Elisabeth Cianciola, aquatic scientist with the CWRA, spoke to the Conservation Commission about the possibility of removing the dam. “There is no recognized use for the dam,” Cianciola said.

Around Town

DCR: Construction of Pedestrian Bridge Over Charles River is on Schedule

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While little activity has been seen in recent weeks around worksite where the pedestrian bridge over the Charles River is being replaced, Department of Conservation and Recreation officials expect the bridge to be finished and opened on schedule. The Joseph Thompson Pedestrian Bridge in Watertown Square is expected to open by the end of 2017, according to DCR officials. Some work around the bridge, including landscaping and plantings, may not be finished until the spring of 2018, according to the DCR. The abutments of the bridge have nearly been completed on both banks of the Charles, but the bridge must still be built. It is in the prefabrication process and is scheduled to be delivered and installed in November, according to DCR officials. Residents will see more construction activity leading up to the installation of the bridge.

Charity

Paddle to Work and Raise Money for Charles River Watershed Association

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On Friday, July 28, people will paddle the Charles River on their way to work to celebrate a healthy river and raise funds for Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA). People participating in Paddle to Work Day hosted by Charles River Canoe and Kayak will kayak from Soldier’s Field Road in Allston/Brighton 5 miles downstream to Kendall Square in Cambridge. Individuals who work in Kendall Square will have paddled to work, while others can take public transportation to their desired destinations. People can purchase tickets for the event at paddleboston.com/paddle2work and may reserve a single or double kayak or sign up to bring their own boat. Charles River Canoe and Kayak will donate all ticket proceeds to Charles River Watershed Association to support its work protecting and restoring the Charles River.

Amphitheatre

Free Celebration for Re-Opening of Amphitheatre Along River on Saturday

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The public is invited to the Grand Re-opening kick-off show at the Amphitheatre at Herter Park, across the Charles River from Watertown in Allston. 

The event is free and runs from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 15 at the park, located at 1175 Soldiers Field Road, Boston. The free event includes a ribbon cutting, a sing-along, kids comedy, children’s music, a poetry slam, improv comedy, a percussion performance concert and a live band. Also enjoy something to eat from food trucks. For more information about the restoration of the Amphitheatre and the park go to friendsofherterpark.org.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Seek Info on Person Who Shot Goose with Dart

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Watertown Police seek information on who ever shot a goose with a blow dart last month. 

In mid-May, Watertown Police and the Watertown Animal Control officer received a report of an injured bird found near the Charles River in the area of the Dealtry Memorial Pool, owned by the DCR. “Thanks to our Watertown, MA Animal Control, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston, the goose was captured and is recovering at Tufts Wildlife Clinic,” Watertown Police said on its Facebook page. Police suspect the person shot the goose from one of the public docks along the Charles River. “We ask anyone with information to contact Karen O’Reilly, Watertown, MA Animal Control at 617-972-6446. We also ask for your help spreading the word, be observant if you frequent that area, and report any criminal or suspicious activity,” Watertown Police announced.

Around Town

Float on the Charles River in Watertown During Free Kayaking Event

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Hit the waters of the Charles River during the Watertown Recreation Department’s free kayaking event on Saturday, June 17. The event was a hit last year, and all the spots were filled. The Recreation Department included the the following information: participants will pair up in a double kayak for a fun, leisurely, or active ride along the Charles River. Charles River Recreation will provide basic instruction and safety rules for all who participate. This program is open to new and experienced kayakers.