Public Meeting Notice  Construction Briefing Update: Magazine Beach Improvements Phase 2.2 Grassy Beach Project

Due to an unforeseen medical emergency for the presenter, DCR had postponed this meeting. In lieu of hosting this construction update meeting, DCR is providing a written update below. 

Project Overview

The Magazine Beach Improvements Phase 2.2 – Grassy Beach Project represents an exciting investment in Magazine Beach and the Charles River waterfront. This phase of the Improvement Project is focused on expanding public access, enhancing recreational opportunities, and improving the ecological health of the shoreline.

Key construction schedule updates:

• The construction timeline was originally April 03, 2025, until September 24, 2026, however it is being extended to November 30, 2026, to ensure the grass and plants have enough time to fully establish before public use. Anticipated reopening of Magazine Beach Phase 2.2 is Winter 2026 (December). 
• The portions of Magazine Beach outside of the construction fencing will continue to remain open to the public for the duration of the Magazine Beach Phase 2.2 construction.
• The pool will remain open during regularly scheduled times, contingent on lifeguard staffing, and is not anticipated to be impacted for the remainder of the Magazine Beach Phase 2.2 construction.

Key construction project features include:

• The installation of a permanent observation deck (20’ x 20’) and dock (54’ x 18.5’) is complete and will expand opportunities for visitors to experience and enjoy the Charles River. 
• The restoration of the shoreline through native plantings will strengthen habitat, improve resilience, and enhance the park landscape. The installation of the plantings  is complete and DCR is working on their establishment. DCR installed an irrigation system to ensure adequate water distribution during this first establishment year. The irrigation will also ensure the plants’ success in times of future drought.
• The creation of new lawn and landscaped areas that provide welcoming spaces for recreation and relaxation have been installed and are currently under active maintenance. DCR installed strategically placed lawn mounds to create additional lawn lounge areas, and the irrigation will ensure establishment of the turf and turf coverage longevity. 
• The construction of universally accessible pathways connecting the improved parking area, including universal parking, to the waterfront and integrating with the broader park trail network, are scheduled to be completed at the end of July 2026. To preserve mature trees on site during construction, DCR modified some final path locations and relocated a universal picnic table. 
• Installation of picnic tables, benches, and other site furnishings to support gathering, recreation, and everyday enjoyment of the riverfront are also scheduled to be installed after the final asphalt paths and associated concrete pads are installed.  
• The burying of utilities underground from Memorial Drive to the Powder House is 50% complete. The electricity portion of this scope has been completed, and power has been restored to the Powder House. DCR is still coordinating with Verizon on the underground installation of the communication line.

Some construction images: 

The image above is taken from the new 54’ x 18.5’ dock looking across the shoreline reestablishment, the lawn and pool in the background.

The image above is of the completed observation deck (20’ x 20’) 

In whole, these improvements will create a more accessible, connected, and welcoming park while enhancing the environmental quality of the Charles River shoreline for future generations.

Thank you for your continued interest and support as we work to improve Magazine Beach.

If you have agency-related questions or concerns or would like to be added to an email list to receive DCR general or project-specific announcements, please email Mass.Parks@mass.gov or call 617-626-4973.