The Upper Charles
River |
Watertown, Waltham, Newton, Weston
The Upper Charles River Basin, set between the
hills of Newton and Watertown, is wrapped in dense vegetation blocking
views from the paths and parkways. The Upper Basin widens near the
Watertown and Newton yacht clubs; the tower of the Perkins School
for the Blind is a landmark visible from Daly Field on the south
side. The Galen Street Bridge and a formal landing at Watertown
Square form the terminus of the parkway-lined Basin, but the navigable
river continues on another thousand feet to the Watertown Dam. The
narrow width and serpentine course of the Upper Basin is a wonderful
challenge for rowers.
The banks of the Upper Charles River Reservation,
extending from Watertown Dam to South Natick Dam, were the primary
focus of the first park land acquisitions of the Metropolitan Park
Commission (the forerunner of the MDC). Historic parks such as Hemlock
Gorge, Riverside, and Norumbega were created in the early 1900s,
and soon became the most popular recreation sites in metropolitan
Boston.
Riverside and Norumbega Parks were eventually
closed in the early 1960s, following considerable pollution of the
river, but from the 1970s an increased public appreciation of environmental
issues led to a clean up of the river’s water quality and
its banks; five new riverside parks were opened in the 1980s in
conjunction with local towns.
In 1994 the MDC began preparation of a master
plan and design for a major section of the Upper Charles, nearly
six miles in length from Watertown Square to Commonwealth Avenue
in Newton and Weston. The objective is the long-term ecological
restoration of the river corridor as a self-sustaining natural environment,
and the development of a continuous pedestrian pathway linking the
Upper Charles and its surrounding communities with the Charles River
pathway system in Cambridge and Boston. Sections between Galen Street,
Watertown and Bridge Street, Newton, and Farwell St. to Elm St in
Waltham, have been completed, and the rest is due to be completed
by winter 2004.
Landry
Park/Lakes District
The dam at Moody Street in Waltham creates the "Lakes District",
an extensive water area and flooded meadow. At Waltham Center, Landry Park,
with its fish ladder provides a pleasant open space adjacent to the Charles
River Museum of Industry. Upstream a new "river walk" opens the river
to Prospect Street for bicyclists and pedestrians. The Lakes District offers
excellent canoeing and winter ice fishing. Small boats can be launched at Woerd
Avenue.
Forest
Grove Reservation
Forest Grove in Newton is an area of open woods for nature study,
picnicking or just relaxing. Superb views and cool breezes can be
enjoyed by bird
watchers and fishermen alike. Fishing and hiking are offered at the park.
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