Trees Shrubs and Grasses Trees are the most important design element in Over time, security and maintenance issues have shaping scenery. They form edges to paths and reduced the number of shrubs in the Basin land- open space, create canopies, frame views, and scape. The judicious use of shrubs in the park- are the object of the view themselves—the wil- land, however, can improve the character of par- lows at the Esplanade, for example. ticular areas, screen intrusive views, facilitate maintenance where banks need to be stabilized Within the small number of tree species that or grass maintenance is difficult, and control use have been planted, some are poorly suited to the where short-cut paths have degraded park areas. Basin’s needs and should be phased out or used

THE MUDDY RIVER urban context, there has been a tendency to sparingly with greater attention to their place- Grass is currently the universal ground cover AT CHARLESGATE, plant trees in straight lines even where there is ment. The bushy, full form of the American lin- throughout the Basin. Many park areas need THE MISSING LINK enough room to relieve that urban linearity den, for example, blocks water views. Mature mown turf to support use and visual character. BETWEEN THE EMERALD NECKLACE with informal massing of vegetation. The tran- Norway maples require deeper, better soil than However, alternative treatments such as tall

AND THE BASIN. sition spaces between different areas of the the parkland can provide and CHERRY TREES AT THE Basin and at major approaches should have a should be phased out entirely. The RIVERSIDE BOAT CLUB. treatment that underscores the richness and yearly donation of cherry trees from variety of the Basin experience. The willow trees Japan is a wonderful gesture, but at the Bowker Overpass are an example of what their excessive use in the Basin has might be done. The mature willows mark the lessened their appeal and forced transition between the Fens and the Charles their siting in inappropriate places River Basin and help to soften the impact of the and configurations. Conversely, highway ramps. there are very few evergreens within the Basin, which would add winter 49 The landscape at most bridges should be an interest in the parkland (see the important element that enhances the Basin land- plant list in Appendix E). meadow grasses or ivies should be considered to scape and orients users to the park. Motorists facilitate maintenance, increase visual diversity, take in full views of the bridges and their prob- Particular signature trees, such as the London and protect trees where repeated mower damage lem landscapes as they drive along the Charles. planetrees along Memorial Drive and the black is weakening them. These alternative ground cov- willows at the Esplanade lagoons and Herter ers and shrubs require a different maintenance Park, should be preserved. Most of the Basin’s regime than turf does; additional staff and staff trees show signs of stress due to an urban set- training would be required to maintain a more ting, intensive park use leading to soil com- diverse landscape. paction, or damage mowers have done to trunks. Pathways tend to make their own pathways off the paved much of the Basin. While it is possible to add Large sections of Basin pathways are in poor surface, which helps to alleviate crowding on bicycle lanes in limited stretches along the park- condition. Clogged or nonexistent catch basins the main path but causes erosion and root com- ways, the lack of continuity would force awkward and poor grading have created drainage prob- paction. In several places, such as Nonantum and dangerous transitions as cyclists shifted from lems, such as at Herter Park. Pavement has Road, light poles, signposts, guardrails, or elec- the roadway to a multiuse path and back again. cracked or spalled and potholes have developed trical boxes have been placed in already narrow

BARE PATHS NEAR pathways, further constricting their width. Another important consideration is the MIT (LEFT), AND A relation of pathways to parkways, which con- JOGGING TRAIL Narrow widths and overuse of the pathways tributes to a sense of security. Along most of the WORN BY USERS AT LEDERMAN FIELD. have made conflicts between those on foot and north side of the river, the main pathway runs those on wheels more common. Though users close to the parkway and is clearly visible from seem to sort themselves out and avoid collisions on the road. On the south side along most of the crowded pathways, conflicts compel some users to Lower Basin and part of the Middle Basin, the avoid popular spots at certain times. The crowded path is not as visible from the road. The board- BICYCLES, JOGGERS AND PEDESTRIANS conditions are aggravated by individuals who do walk underneath the Boston University Bridge SHARE THE PATH not follow the rules of the road—giving audible is particularly problematic. Anyone on the AT HERTER PARK. signals before passing, for example, or moving at a boardwalk is invisible moderate speed. Even though cyclists and skaters from the road or even may be in control, their speed threatens many from the path seg- in other places such as the Cambridge pedestrians. Pedestrians often look back over their ments that lead to it. It Esplanade at MIT. The historic promenade at shoulders at the sound of brakes or are startled as is in the middle of one the Esplanade is in need of rehabilitation. Bridge cyclists or skaters brush by them to pass while of the longest stretches walkways are not consistently plowed in the avoiding oncoming traffic. This constant state of with no exit from the winter. Vegetation obstructs some of the paths in nervousness is not conducive to quiet contempla- Basin parklands. 50 the Upper Basin. A regularly scheduled program tion of the river scenery. Pedestrians themselves of pathway maintenance must be developed. often walk more than two abreast which makes While the Charles passing difficult and dangerous. River Reservation is The width of pathways is often inadequate officially closed after for the amount of traffic they carry, particularly Ideally, wheeled users would be separated from dusk, some of the where parkways crowd the bank. Some stretches pedestrians, as is done in the Southwest Corridor paths are lighted for of pathway are only five feet wide, barely Park. The extremely constrained parkways, paths, night use, and many enough room for bicyclists to pass one another. and shore areas along most of the Charles River people use them. In many of these stretches, users are spilling off Basin make this impossible in most places. The People entering after dusk do so “at their own the paved edges onto bare earth, in effect creat- twelve feet needed to establish two six-foot bicycle risk.” The pathways are not as safe at night as ing paths eight to ten feet wide. Some joggers lanes next to parkways is simply unavailable along they are during the day. State Police records Recommendations for document that a large number of incidents have officers to determine the number of reported Landscape Management taken place between sunset and sunrise; of fifty- incidents; these were then separated into quality- eight incidents in the Lower Basin for which of-life and safety concerns. Incidents that did • Implement a process of selective and sus- the time of trooper response is noted, twenty- not threaten the safety or property of people tainable clearing to achieve a more varied eight took place after dark. On the few Basin using the reservation but did affect, sometimes and picturesque effect along the entire pathways that are lighted, bulbs are often seriously, how comfortable people felt there— Charles River Basin; make additional burned out. Only thirty-six percent of respon- for example, drunken behavior, camping, drug plantings in certain areas. dents to the user survey felt safe at night in the use, and men exposing themselves—were Basin. Although the reservation is not legally classified as quality-of-life issues. Safety inci- • Introduce a greater variety of plant choices open at night, use does occur then and ways to dents include all serious injuries, threats, or and vegetation designs into the Basin land- make Basin pathways safer after dark should be damage to property, such as assault and collisions scape. Planting should define open spaces, with explored. between an automobile and a pedestrian or plants in masses, and should incorporate cyclist. Collisions between automobiles on park- informal configurations where there is Police Presence and Security ways were not included in the count. sufficient park width. For visual and horti- Many users assert that a stronger police presence cultural reasons the palette of canopy tree in the Basin has been necessary for some time. In general, there were far more incidents choices should be expanded. The palette of Patrolling on the pathways is limited to two reported below the BU Bridge than above it, understory ornamental trees should also be State Police troopers on bicycles between the including the majority of the safety incidents. expanded and should be planted in a greater historic Charles River Dam and the Boston In July , for example, users reported thirty- variety of configurations to embellish struc- University Bridge and one between the Boston two safety incidents and twenty-six quality-of- tures, define terrace areas, and highlight University Bridge and the Watertown Dam. In life incidents in the Lower Basin but only eight sculpture. Evergreens should be planted to the summer they are joined by several MDC safety and seventeen quality-of-life incidents in increase winter interest, modulate views year- park rangers. MDC rules and regulations for the the Upper Basin. round in and out of the parkland, and diver- Basin, last updated in , give MDC Rangers sify the character of park areas. Native plants 51 noncriminal citation powers and ticket books; One of the most important safety issues is a with berries should be introduced in the State Police have full police powers. lack of emergency and/or pay phones for Upper Basin to increase interest and improve reporting incidents. This is a serious safety wildlife habitat. The two State Police stations that patrol the issue. When accidents occur, it can be very Basin monitor security incidents in logbooks difficult to call for medical assistance. For the • Regrade parkland areas. Changes in the grade and daily journals. The Lower Basin Police safety of their students Harvard and MIT main- will work to improve the character and usa- Station covers the area between the historic tain emergency phones that connect directly to bility of the park in areas where erosion, Charles River Dam and the Boston University the police and cannot be used for any other compaction, or past grading has resulted in Bridge; the Upper Basin Police Station covers purpose. These stretches of Basin parkland are slumped, unappealing, or difficult-to-use the rest of the Basin. The planning team con- the only ones with such facilities. No other public landforms. sulted each station’s records and interviewed emergency phones exist within the Charles River Reservation, and all three sets of pay phones in the Basin are on the Boston Esplanade. • Selectively remove trees where necessary to small- to moderate-sized individual trees in • Embellish important structures through- increase the amount of open, sunny park- heavily used narrow or exposed areas should out the Basin with special horticultural land. Selective tree removal will provide be mulched. Masses of fescue or ground cov- treatments. In particular, the Basin’s bridges space for passive use and create better views ers should be planted under trees to reduce and boathouses present strong images in the of park spaces framed by vegetation. the need for mowing. Paving units such as landscape, mark points of arrival along the Belgian block should be installed to surround journey up and down the Charles, and orient • Protect signature trees and devise a strategy trees planted close to pathways in order to the user. Landscape for replacing them. (See “Appendix D— prevent compaction and mower damage. treatments, such as Landscape Maintenance.”) the use of signature • Increase diversity, visual interest, and ease trees at selected • Judiciously introduce shrubs into the of maintenance by introducing a greater bridge abutments Basin landscape. Use shrubs to improve the variety of ground covers. Fescues should be and vines on bridges, character of the park and parkways and to used to mark the transition from turf areas should strengthen control pedestrian movement. Shrubs should to the river and river-edge vegetation or from their visual presence. also be used to embellish special structures or turf to woodland areas. If planted as proposed landscapes, such as boathouses and the lagoon along road shoulders, medians, under tree • Restore and pro- banks. Security and maintenance issues masses, and in selected parkland areas fescues tect the wetland

should help determine the choice of species. could constitute about fifteen percent of the environments in the Basin. Wetlands at the SOIL COMPACTION current turf area. Ground covers should be General Service Administration site in AND EROSION TAKE THEIR TOLL • Implement a variety of strategies to pro- introduced under tree groupings and to create Watertown and at Hell’s Half Acre, currently ON PARKWAY tect trees from the stresses of soil com- meadows in selected places such as Herter threatened by invasive exotic plants and pedes- TREES ALONG paction and mower damage. Mature trees Park West and at the intersection of Green- trian incursions, should be surveyed and MEMORIAL DRIVE can withstand these stresses, but the bases of ough Boulevard and Arsenal Street. Belgian restored. NEAR MIT. block might be used 52 Landscape recommendations in places where short- Recommendations for Parkland ENHANCE PLANT NEW LONDON cutting has killed grass HABITAT FOR PLANE TREES TO REINFORCE Use and Circulation MIGRATING BIRDS THE EXISITNG ROW and compacted soil, RESTORE DOUBLE ROWS OF MEMORIAL such as at pathway • Remove intrusive structures that have little DRIVE TREES intersections. or no historic significance and serve no compelling river-related purpose within the Basin. The Daly Rink, the former bath- RESTORE ORNAMENTAL ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE PLANTINGS OF TREES NEW PARKWAY TREES PLANTINGS ON RIVERBANKS house occupied by the American Legion RESTORE HISTORIC LANDSCAPE AND SHRUBS ORNAMENTAL PLANTINGS AT BRIDGES 0 2000 FT Marsh Post at Gerry’s Landing, and the aging CLEARING FOR NEW SCENIC VISTAS pool complexes should be removed. The • Increase the num- recreational value of uses currently housed in ber of temporary these structures should be assessed and, if parkway closures appropriate, better integrated into the Basin on weekends and landscape or accommodated elsewhere. extend the length of the season. • Expand unstructured spaces for passive Riverbend Park, the uses throughout the Basin. Unstructured section of Memorial spaces are flexible, benefit a much broader Drive closed to number of users, and support passive enjoy- motorized traffic on ment of the river—a central purpose of the Sundays from April FLEXIBLE-USE AREA AT HERTER PARK. Charles River Basin. New areas for passive through October, is uses should be added wherever possible. Exist- very popular. Expanding the parkway parks shore and the parkway curb. Unless the shore ing passive use space, such as that at the Esplan- along most of the north bank could help to is armored with stone, all pedestrian paths ade and Magazine Beach, should be expanded. distribute users along the Basin. should be a minimum of five feet from the It is crucial to preserve pockets of quiet activ- Consideration should also be given to extend- shore and at least eight to twelve feet every- ity in the midst of even such high-use areas. ing the parkway closure season. where space permits

• Convert specialized facilities and dedi- • Achieve adequate path widths while pre- • Where banks are wide enough, establish cated athletic fields to flexible use where serving the park-like condition of the Basin. separate paths for wheeled users and possible. Given the limited space along the Wherever possible, pathways in constricted pedestrians. Where dual paths exist, as at Basin and the likelihood of future shifts in areas should be eight feet wide and incorporate the Esplanade islands, designate the path forms of recreation, dedicated facilities that one-foot shoulders on the down-slope side to closest to the shore for pedestrian use only. benefit single user groups for limited periods prevent erosion. The difference between six- Where space permits in the Upper Basin 53 of time should be discouraged. Fields should and eight-foot widths is so significant that it bicycle lanes and additional pedestrian path- be adaptable to a variety of organized and justifies extraordinary measures such as ways should be created along the shore. The informal games. regrading riverbanks and rebuilding riprap MDC should field-test a variety of solidified slopes. Where the width of the parkland is soil paths for pedestrians to see which ones • Distribute uses more evenly along the sufficient, heavily trafficked multiuse paths perform well over time. Avoid the use of Basin. Redistributing informal uses along the should be ten feet wide. All multiuse paths asphalt surfaces close to the shore. Basin will help to minimize impacts on the and bridge crossings should be easily accessi- most popular stretches of parkland. A park area ble to emergency and maintenance vehicles. • Discourage wheeled traffic on pedestrian could be developed above the North Beacon In no case should one or more paths paths. A combination of rumble strips, soft Street Bridge to draw users into the upper dominate the bank or take up more than surfacing, curved alignment, and gates should reaches of the Basin. The expansion of park twenty percent of the width between the be sufficient to limit wheels on pedestrian- space at the MIT seawall would help alleviate the crush of users on Esplanade paths. only pathways. To discourage excessive • Add more pay phones at areas with heavy • Design night lighting for select loca- speeds at transition points, pavement at the use. Pay phones increase security by provid- tions People congregate in certain areas approaches to intersections and pedestrian ing the means for people to contact the state along the Basin, such as the Esplanade bridges should be scored. police. In a reservation of this size it is not and the MIT front, to enjoy the night uncommon for people to overextend them- views of the city or to escape the summer • Paint center stripes on all multiuse paths selves in terms of time and distance. Provide heat. Esplanade pathways are already to help direct two-way traffic, and install pay phones at or near clearly recognizable lighted, but appropriate lighting should be jogging mile markers. Choose a darker nonglare drop-off/pick-up points for cars and taxis. added at the terraced boat landings and at paint to be in keeping with the park setting. Boathouses should be required to provide Watertown Square to improve the appear- accessible public phones as part of their permits. ance and safety of these gathering places. • Benches that face pathways should be set Care should be taken to shield all light back on concrete pads at least 18 inches, • Minimize hiding places for potential sources so as not to blind people to night preferably 24 inches, so that users’ legs assailants and keep sight lines clear. A var- views across the water. and feet do not extend into the path. ied landscape is important both for visual interest and for improved habitat along the • Schedule some maintenance activities at • Post trail etiquette signs and educate users to Basin, but shrubs and dense vegetation night in key areas to improve safety. A “share the path/share the park.” should be set back from main pathways in staggered maintenance schedule would areas where security is a leading concern. reduce disruption during peak use times • Plow the main paths and bridge crossings and provide an additional presence within of jogging loops along the river for year- • Install emergency telephones at regular the park after dark. round use. Sweep the paths periodically to intervals. These should supplement a system of prevent slides and falls on bicycles and skates public telephones and campus security • Increase the number of MDC bicycle and to improve cleanliness. phones so that users can find a phone about patrols and encourage their enforce- every half-mile. Locations should be posted ment of rules and regulations. 54 • Develop a path-monitoring and -mainte- on each phone, making them readily available nance program. Set up a hotline or Web to caller and dispatcher. Adding emergency address for users to report problems quickly phones would enable people to report safety and easily. Establish an adopt-a-path pro- incidents quickly and might thus discourage gram for volunteers to help with routine path criminals activity. and shore maintenance. Charles. The fifteen boathouses along the banks Parkland Structures include eleven dedicated to rowing and four to and Their Use sailing. Anticipating the sheltered waters the The Basin parklands feature footbridges, boathouses and yacht historic Charles River Dam would create, most were built between  and , and, despite clubs, swimming pools and bathhouses, athletic fields and courts, differing architectural styles, are similar in their playgrounds, performance structures, maintenance facilities, monu- bold massing, siting, and the way they engage ments, and park furniture. The fifteen boathouses and four yacht the water’s edge with ramps and floats to facili- tate boat launches. The oldest is Harvard Uni- clubs generate a significant amount of use and activity, but other versity’s Newell Boathouse, constructed in  structures are not water-dependent in a strict sense. Some take to the design of Peabody and Stearns. Harvard  advantage of the river setting and are enhanced by it; others could built its Weld Boathouse in , the Riverside Boat Club was built , and the Cambridge operate just as successfully in another location. Many of the sports Boat Club was completed in . The oldest fields and facilities supplement similar facilities in local city parks. private rowing club on the river, the Union Boat Club, rebuilt its boathouse when the dam Most of the facilities on Basin parkland are designed the five footbridges that cross the and the Boston Embankment were completed dedicated facilities—that is, they have only one Esplanade lagoons. In the second half of the in . Two of the four sailing pavilions are use. They lack the design flexibility to allow twentieth century, nine utilitarian footbridges significant in architectural terms—the Walter their being shared by other uses. Some, includ- were constructed to carry pedestrians safely over C. Wood Sailing Pavilion, completed for MIT ing the pools, are open for very limited periods Storrow Drive, Soldiers Field Road and in , and the MDC Community Boating of time during the year. Many, however, are the Memorial Drive. Of these the Fiedler Bridge, pavilion, built on the Boston shore in . product of prominent and significant designers with its flowing lines and broad span, is the and reflect the attitudes of the “City Beautiful” most distinctive. There The three swim- 55 movement. At the start of the century the are also footbridges at ming pools in the Metropolitan Park Commission established a Magazine Beach and Basin—at North high standard for the design of even the most Herter Park. Beacon Street, utilitarian of structures. They are legitimate his- Boathouses, the Magazine Beach, toric resources that deserve protection. most prevalent build- and Charlesbank ing type in the Charles Park—were built Six footbridges span the river, including the River Basin, signify a in response to the  John W. Weeks Bridge, designed by -year tradition of increasing pollution

McKim, Mead, and White. Arthur Shurcliff crew racing on the THE FIEDLER FOOTBRIDGE LINKS THE ESPLANADE WITH of the river, which BEACON STREET AND THE NEARBY PUBLIC GARDEN. made it unsafe to continue to swim at such pop- Hatch Shell, built in  to ular areas as Magazine Beach. All are simple, replace earlier band shells from low-profile masonry structures built between  and , has become one  and . The pools and their accompany- of the region’s most popular out- ing bathhouses take up limited shore space and door venues for music, an icon of bear little relation to the river. New England that attracts a full season of public programs. It was There are three broad areas within the Basin completely restored a decade ago. where sports fields and courts have been accom- modated: Lederman Field, Magazine Beach, Completed in  as part and Daly Field. Taken together there are six of the proposed Metropolitan

softball fields, two soccer fields, two tennis Boston Arts Center, the Publick THE PUBLICK THEATRE AT HERTER PARK. courts and several informal volleyball courts. Theatre in Herter Park has pre- The fields at Magazine Beach overlap so that sented plays each season since. Built on the Maintenance, support, and administrative softball games and soccer games cannot be site of the Charles River Speedway, the Publick facilities include the MDC stables at the historic played simultaneously. The poor condition of Theatre is located on an island surrounded by Charles River Dam, completed in  to a the turf at many of these fields indicates the a moat that flows from the river. The striking design by Guy Lowell and recently renovated; intensity of the use. sculptural landform of the island creates an the  Fens Gate House at Charlesgate, which inward-focused amphitheater that is connected screens the outflow from the Stony Brook cul- Four deteriorated and antiquated play- to the surrounding park by a bridge and a glass- vert; the Magazine Beach maintenance build- grounds were recently removed from the and-steel building designed by Saltonstall ing, converted from an  powder magazine Esplanade. Playgrounds in varying degrees of Morton Architects. This two-story structure is by the Olmsted brothers in  and currently repair are located at Magazine Beach, near the Herter Center. It is currently used for stor- used for storage; and the intricate and handsome Longfellow Park, and in Watertown along age and office space for the New England Upper Basin headquarters complex on Soldiers 56 Charles River Road. Playgrounds have been Sports Museum. Field Road, designed by William Austin of reconstructed at Herter Park’s Artesani Stickney and Austin and built about . Playground and the Lee Pool. The scope of the events that take place at these facilities—attendance, duration, and impact— The Charles River Basin—particularly the Performance facilities and sites include the varies tremendously. The High School Jazz Esplanade—features numerous memorials, Hatch Shell, the Esplanade, Lederman Field, Band Festival attracts a few hundred listeners to monuments, and statues in addition to the and the Publick Theatre at Herter Park. The the Hatch Shell, while hundreds of thousands Hatch Shell. The only other substantial memo- attend the Forth of July Boston Pops concert. rial, excluding bridges, honors the founders of Watertown near Watertown Square. Several The best monuments combine superior durable. There are several sun shelters with markers have been placed along the river to design with a functional purpose. The Curtis benches in the Lower Basin, built to replace identify historic sites, including one on the Memorial bridges the lagoon. The charming earlier shelters with striped canvas roofs. These knoll near the point where Roger Clap and Lotta fountain was built to provide dogs with sun shelters reflect the need of earlier genera- the Dorchester Men landed in . water on hot days. The Oliver Wendell Holmes tions for shade before the newly planted trees memorial, originally located opposite the judge’s matured along the Basin. house on Beacon Street, provides a place to sit near the Boat Basin. The Storrow monument There are six public bathrooms along . provides a map of the Charles and nearby bod- miles of riverbank, one of which is open year- ies of water to help people orient themselves. round. There are only ten water fountains along Other monuments function solely to memorial- the Basin, six of them along the Esplanade and ize individuals, such as the statues of Sen. David two at Magazine Beach. There is one concession I. Walsh, Gen. George Patton, Gov. Maurice stand on the Esplanade and one near the spray Tobin, and Gen. Charles Devens facing the pool in Charlesbank Park. There are three banks Hatch Shell oval. of pay telephones, all on the Esplanade.

Basin parklands feature an array of park fur- niture and amenities. Historic site furnishings Existing Conditions and Issues are one of the best indicators of how people have used the Basin through time. Scores of Physical Condition benches in several styles have been provided for The condition of boathouses varies greatly. public use within the Charles River Basin. Four Structural failure is apparent on one, the MDC of the five types of metal-frame benches aged Boathouse on the Charles River Dam. The better than those made of concrete. Those with three swimming pools and bathhouses are all 57 concrete supports have generally not worn well; nearing the end of their useful lives. The Lee many are broken. The benches in John F. Pool and Bathhouse have been closed for several Kennedy Park, completed in , are based on years due to structural problems. The roof of a design by Arthur Shurcliff . They have heavy- the Magazine Beach maintenance building

THE UPPER BASIN POLICE STATION AND MAINTENANCE BUILDING, BUILT gauge steel legs and broad wood-slat seats and needs to be replaced, though its massive AROUND 1900, ON SOLDIERS FIELD ROAD. backs. They are attractive, comfortable, and masonry walls are sound. Visibility and Access and logos of companies—will overwhelm the important to preserve public access and the The North Beacon Street Pool and Bathhouse is river setting. Vehicles have taken over more and character of the Basin while sponsors’ desire for isolated from the river by a busy intersection more space to service these events and intrude visibility is accommodated. and partially cut off from the neighborhoods by on the park setting. the Massachusetts Turnpike. The Fens Gate Lack of Amenities House is almost entirely hidden by the Bowker Crowding and Capacity One of the most important issues raised during Overpass; only drivers on the westbound ramp Existing boathouses are at capacity; demand for the master planning process, including the user to Storrow Drive are afforded a quick glimpse more space has built up over the past twenty survey, is the lack of crucial amenities in the of this handsome building. The Upper Basin years. The pool and bathhouse at Magazine Basin. An intensive survey of the area corrobo- headquarters complex is not fully occupied and Beach crowd that site. Parking for the Lee Pool rated this opinion. Benches, though in decent therefore vulnerable to vandalism. Its Captain’s intrudes upon the river pathway. Special events shape—seventy-five percent need only minor, House is screened by overgrown vegetation are taxing segments of the Basin. The Hatch cosmetic repair or no repair at all—are poorly from the parkway. The Saltonstall Memorial, a Shell and the staging grounds for various distributed. Some stretches of parkland are clut- handsome work of art, is all but lost in the walkathons, road races, and boating events are tered, and others, such as Charles River Road, trees. At Herter Park the moat surrounding the under stress and overcrowded. These events also are underserved. Many benches seem haphaz- Publick Theatre has partially silted in, and vege- cause noise, trash, parking, and traffic problems ardly placed, with little attention to views or tation has totally obscured views of the island for the surrounding neighborhoods. The impact proximity to traffic. In some places benches pro- to the extent that many do not recognize it as of special events on the quiet enjoyment of the trude onto narrow pathways and create pinch such. Crude lighting, staging, and storage trail- Basin by regular users must be taken into con- points and uncomfortable conflicts between A FAMILY PICNICS ers obscure the potential of this island setting. sideration and a better balance struck. passive and active users. Little provision is made AT MAGAZINE for other types of informal seating, such as BEACH. Effect on Viewsheds Without planning, monuments and memori- grassy slopes, ter- The Magazine Beach Pool and Bathhouse block als may proliferate to the point that they clutter raced steps, and sit- views to the river. The American Legion Marsh the riverbanks. Some seem out of place—the ting walls. And even 58 Post at the Eliot Bridge, built as a bathhouse in two cherry trees and the massive stone and though only twenty , has little architectural merit, has been wooden rail next to the Hatch Shell, for exam- percent of benches modified, and blocks a key view to the river and ple, or the bust of Arthur Feidler on the island require major repair the Eliot Bridge from Greenough Boulevard. near the lagoon. Once installed, monuments are and another five very difficult to remove or modify. percent require Special events also affect views. Because most replacement, these large events are sponsored, there is a danger that Privatization of Public Space benches are highly their commercial aspects—large banners, The regattas fence off sizable areas of the shore- visible and color canopies, and inflatable signs bearing the names line each year for three to four days. Sponsor- public perception of ship is essential to many of the events, but it is Basin maintenance. The Basin also Though the earlier spiked gas lamps are gone, Finally, few signs help orient first-time visi- offers only twenty- some of the original acorn-style lamps remain. tors to the Basin, explain its rules and regula- one picnic tables. Reproduction acorn lights were specified for the tions, or interpret its natural and cultural his- In heavily used renovation of Memorial Drive in front of MIT tory. The bike route signs give cyclists the areas such as and were intended to continue up river, but mistaken impression that they have right of way Herter Park and now extend only as far as the dual parkway. on pathways that function as multiuse paths. Magazine Beach, Beyond that point modern streetlights prevail. large family pic- Recommendations for nics are one of the The five public bathrooms at the pools, Daly Parkland Structures primary weekend Field and Rink, and the Hatch Shell are open activities. Existing seasonally during limited times, and for major • Remove intrusive structures that have little picnic tables are events the MDC does bring in temporary toi- or no compelling river-related purpose always full during lets. Only the newly renovated bathrooms at within the Basin, such as the Daly Rink, summer. The lack the Dartmouth Street Overlook on the Esplan- the bathhouse occupied by the American of designated ade are open consistently. The boathouses, sail- Legion Marsh Post at Gerry’s Landing, and

THE places for grills means people place their small ing pavilions, yacht clubs, and community gar- the aging pool complexes. The recreational LONGFELLOW grills directly on the grass, creating a fire hazard dens are usually willing to open their doors in value of uses housed in these structures BRIDGE AND and posing a danger for children. case of emergency, but the public is not invited should be assessed and, if appropriate, better ONE OF THE BASIN’S to use these facilities. integrated into the Basin landscape or ORIGINAL Site furnishings are highly vulnerable to vandal- accommodated elsewhere. . LAMPS, IN ism and costly to maintain. Many of the original Water fountains are unevenly distributed, and site furnishings along the Basin—for example, some do not work. The Basin also offers few • Develop design guidelines for new the spiked lamps of the original Esplanade— choices for food and drink. Food concession construction that reflect the character- have long since disappeared. As a result the trucks are only allowed onto the reservation defining features of Basin architecture. 59 Basin lacks much of the rich detailing that was with a permit during special events. Concession The Basin should accommodate only those present in its first few decades. Some of the trucks swing by at the Herter Park parking lot facilities that can harmonize with the river wooden roofs on the sun shelters are low and occasionally but do not stay long. While many setting and guard against a proliferation of pose a hazard to bicyclists and should either be users would welcome affordable food conces- facilities for special interests. Structures moved back from pathways or elevated a few sions, others object to the intrusive visual quality should be sited so that they emphasize the inches. The roofing materials on many of them of concession trucks with their commercial col- river landscape and are folded into that land- are not in keeping with their original design. In ors and advertising. scape. Playful and irregular massing can some cases the benches are missing entirely. break down the scale of large facilities and help them blend with irregular landscape privileges for only the most generous dona- benches because they are easier to maintain, forms. Heights should be limited to that of tions and worthy recipients. Only inconspicu- wooden slats are far more comfortable and the surrounding trees if possible, and a ous plaques, less than one by five inches, aesthetically pleasing. All benches should be profile that ties the building to the surround- should be permitted on donated benches. sited on concrete pads to avoid mud holes, ing landscape should be encouraged. Exterior Donated trees should have no permanent and the concrete should be dark to blend materials, textures, and colors should be as markers placed on them. better with the surrounding turf and asphalt natural as possible to complement the land- paths. scape. New construction should harmonize • Certain zones such with existing architectural forms. Most of the as the island at the • Encourage alterna- boathouses, for example, were built in the Esplanade should tive seating arrange- first decade of the twentieth century and become off limits ments, especially exhibit characteristic massing, contours, for monuments. along the water. siting, and materials. Modern boathouses To honor those who Maintain, where should reflect this character without mimick- have been major appropriate, or cre- ing past styles. benefactors of the ate gentle grassy

Basin, the MDC THIS MODERN BENCH ON THE ESPLANADE ACROSS FROM slopes down to the • A database of all relevant information on might consider a MIT IS BASED ON AN EARLIER SHURCLIFF DESIGN AND water’s edge for sit- SHOULD BE USED THROUGHOUT THE BASIN. the Basin’s memorials, monuments, and “donor’s grove” at ting and lying down. statues should be created and standard the Dartmouth or Gloucester Street In some cases, banks operating procedures established for their Overlook, where their names could be should be cut back maintenance. Existing monuments should organized and recorded in the pavement. A and shrubs removed to achieve this condi- be restored and protected, according to writ- similar donor’s wall has been established at tion. Gentle slopes between : and : are ten maintenance protocols. Wellesley College. generally well drained and dry to sit on. They allow people to sit close to the water 60 • Develop stringent criteria for the permit- • Create design standards for park furnish- and accommodate groups well. The wooden ting, design, and siting of new monuments. ings and establish maintenance procedures landings offer a clean and comfortable sur- Eliot argued that monuments and other and schedules. Patterns and specifications face to sit or lie on, attracting scores of peo- “obtrusive structures” were inappropriate for historic lights, benches, rails, and other ple on warm day. They should be repaired because they might detract from the river furnishings should be retained for future use. and supplemented. scenery. Instead of stones or statuary, the The bench design for John F. Kennedy Park, MDC should encourage the donation of based on the earlier Shurcliff design, should • Remove dilapidated or poorly sited well-integrated functional elements (benches, be the standard for the Basin. While it may benches and the pads they sit on. Collaps- landings, pedestrian bridges), with naming be tempting to choose metal or plastic slat ing park furnishings and empty footings color Visitorvisitors’ impressions Amenities of the Basin’s overall crewscan combine them and so maintenance donate them as part of their community service. Some fountains might be equipped with dog basins to serve the substantial canine population.

• Locate concession stands and food carts PROPOSED AMENITY CLUSTER* EXISTING AMENITY CLUSTER where they will best serve the public and PROPOSED FOOD CONCESSION EXISTING FOOD CONCESSION not intrude into the Basin landscape. 0 2000 FT * EACH AMENITY CLUSTER INCLUDES PUBLIC BATHROOMS, WATER FOUNTAINS, AND PHONES Magazine Beach, Herter Park, and Daly Field are potential sites for walk-up concession condition. They foster an appearance of neg- crews can take them in for the winter or for stands or food carts. The MDC should seek and lect and should be quickly repaired or repairs. To avoid a cluttered appearance picnic approve an appropriate design for concession removed. Benches and pads that are too close tables should be set back from the water’s stands and food carts in order to avoid the to parkways or isolated and rarely used should edge and grouped relatively close to parking intrusion of commercial signs and canopies be removed and the area restored to turf. lots to accommodate groups who arrive by in the public landscape. Require food vendors car with picnics and grills. to pick up trash and maintain the portion of • Redistribute crowded benches and place the park around their site on a daily basis. In new benches in select locations where they • Provide bicycle racks at key locations. the longer term, consideration should be given afford good views, are accessible from Bicycle racks should be placed only near to locating restaurants in historic buildings paths, and are sufficiently set back from playgrounds, sports fields, and in major gath- such as the Upper Lock Gate House at the the parkways. Where appropriate, benches ering places where people are apt to leave historic Charles River Dam. Since boating should be arranged to form alcoves for small their bicycles unattended. Boat houses traffic drops away after dark, dinner cruises groups to socialize as well as enjoy the view. should be required to provide bicycle racks. should be allowed on the river. 61 Encourage boat clubs and institutions along AN ICE CREAM the river to donate and maintain benches • Replace or repair damaged water CONE MAKES A VISIT TO THE near their facilities. fountains and add new ones RIVER THAT along the upper stretches of the MUCH MORE • Add tables, ash pits, and extra trash barrels Basin and along the MIT seawall. ENJOYABLE. in a few designated areas. Too many furnish- Joggers have repeatedly asked for ings can create a cluttered appearance, but the water fountains, which should be current number of picnic tables does not sat- located along the most popular isfy the demand for them. Picnic tables should loops. Water fountains close to be heavy-duty but movable, so that people boat landings would also serve the can combine them and so that maintenance boating community; boat clubs should • Increase the availability of public bath- • Install orientation rooms; supervise and maintain them regu- signs at key gate- larly. Several options exist for increasing the ways to the Basin. number of bathrooms in the Basin. The fea- All signs throughout sibility of the European model of unsuper- the Basin should vised, pay-per-use toilets should be explored. have a unified color A higher cost per use should be permitted in and design. Orienta- lieu of the exterior advertising that is often tion signs should used to generate income to the provider. (No include: advertising of any type should be allowed in ✶ A map of the entire the Charles River Basin; useful information Basin, including for park users should appear where advertise- mileage of loops, ments normally do.) The units should be connections to modified to blend with the Charles River other regional Basin landscape in form and color. open space sys-

Link expansion permits for boathouses tems, connec- LEARNING TO SKATE IN REVERSE AT RIVERBEND PARK ON MEMORIAL DRIVE. and yacht clubs to the provision of public tions to public restrooms. Some boat clubs allow the public transit, and major destination points. ✶ Bicyclists and skaters should wear safety to use their bathrooms, but they do not ✶ The locations of bathrooms, drinking foun- helmets advertise their availability because of security tains, pay phones, emergency phones, conces- ✶ Walk pets on short leashes (seven feet or and liability concerns. Other options include sions, and other amenities. less) and remove droppings installing solar-powered composting toilets, ✶ The locations of particular uses, such as canoe ✶ Move off the pathway when stopped as are used on the Boston Harbor islands, or and kayak rentals and the Publick Theatre. ✶ Pedestrians should walk no more than two increasing the number of portable toilets. abreast 62 The latter would be a more immediate, if • Install trail etiquette signs at regular inter- less aesthetic, solution to the problem, and vals. A committee of interested citizens • Replace bike route signs with multiuse would permit the MDC to tailor the number should review the precise content of these path signs and install mileage markers of portable toilets to seasonal use and events. signs. Members of the Citizens Advisory along the paths for joggers and walkers. They are privately maintained and difficult Committee have expressed interest in pursu- to vandalize, but they are costly to operate ing design and installation of these signs as •See “Historic Resources and Interpreta- for long periods. Bathrooms might be linked an early action item. Trail signs should tion,” beginning on page , for preserva- to such other facilities as concession stands include this information: tion recommendations. or boat rentals. Close supervision and con- ✶ Keep right stant maintenance is essential to the success ✶ Pass on the left, after audible signal of public bathrooms. Use of park facilities financial responsibility in a way that reflects While sponsorships of special events should the relative impacts of different events. After be encouraged, large banners bearing sponsor • Concerts and other special events at the large events these funds should be used to or brand names should be strictly limited in Hatch Shell and elsewhere should not restore the landscape to its previous condition. size and quantity. Sponsors’ enclosures unreasonably interfere with the public’s Event sponsors should demonstrate the should not be erected more than twenty-four enjoyment of the Charles River Basin. capacity to organize and manage the event hours in advance of an event and should be During special events other users should be including security, efficient setup and clean- removed within twenty-four hours after the able to circulate along the main pathways up, and restoration of any damaged facilities. event ends. Under no circumstances should and enjoy the river. Setup, take-down, and cleanup should be enclosures, vehicles, or equipment block any done immediately before and after the event. part of the shoreline or any pathway. Tents • Allow a wide range of appropriate events Delivery vehicles to be staged along the Basin. Special events should not be should benefit from and complement the allowed to drive on river setting. Events that do not meet these soft turf areas, espe- criteria, in the judgment of the MDC, should cially after a rain, or be staged elsewhere (for example, at City to park in the Basin Hall Plaza, the Boston and Cambridge for longer than one Commons, or Columbus Park). Event spon- hour. Arrangements sors and the MDC should sign a written should be made for permit agreement that includes MDC rules parking elsewhere and regulations; a schedule for the event; and during the event. a map showing walkathon routes, delivery Heavy equipment routes, staging areas, electrical hookups, tem- that could damage

porary parking areas, and other details. The the Basin landscape THE AUDIENCE PREPARES FOR A CONCERT ON THE CAMBRIDGE SIDE OF THE WEEKS BRIDGE. 63 permit should be kept with the event man- or furnishings ager and be available to MDC Rangers for should be barred. or enclosures should be set back a minimum review. This would represent a refinement of Event sponsors should work in partner- of forty feet from the water’s edge. The pro- the current permit system. ship with the MBTA to actively encourage motion or selling of products, other than Performance bonds should be posted the use of public transportation by partici- food from permitted concession stands, for all large organized events to support pants or provide special shuttle service. should not be allowed. cleanup and turf-mitigation measures. A pay- Use of the Basin for political or commercial ment system should be devised to distribute purposes should be scrupulously avoided. • Stage special events, walks and races at a ✶ Cambridge Esplanade: If the eastbound Field could become a more active staging variety of locations to avoid undue burden lanes of Memorial Drive next to the river ground for events. It offers ample parking on a single site. Road races and walkathons are closed periodically as they are at River- and room for thousands to gather. Event currently begin at the Esplanade, an already bend Park further west, the Cambridge sponsors should be encouraged to provide intensely used place. Consistent with the Esplanade at MIT could be a site for stag- shuttle service from MBTA stations and goal of introducing more quiet space there ing road races, walkathons, and other elsewhere in the Basin. for passive activities, the number of special events. events staged from here should be reduced ✶ The Charlesgate: Overlooked and forgot- • Ban special events from certain areas of and promoters encouraged to use these alter- ten by many park users, The Charlesgate the Basin. The Esplanade islands, Herter native venues: Park West, and Hell’s Half Acre should be ✶ Lechmere Canal: The head of protected as oases of calm and quiet. Lechmere Canal might be an ideal spot for smaller walkathons and road • Maintain the Hatch Shell as the premier races if an agreement can be reached outdoor performance venue in the metro- with the City of Cambridge, which politan region and reserve it primarily for owns the land. It has copious park- musical performances. The original bequest ing, adequate transit, and excellent for the Hatch Shell prohibits use of the facil- public services. Perhaps more impor- ity for political purposes. To protect residents PARTICIPANTS IN THE AIDS ACTION COMMITTEE’S ANNUAL WALK tant, it is almost entirely paved, so in adjacent neighborhoods the MDC should FOR LIFE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A REST STOP AT CHARLESGATE. events staged here would have relatively test sound levels at the property line and at low impacts on the Basin landscape. provides a large area for gatherings. the source to establish appropriate decibel ✶ Lederman Field: Lederman Field is one of ✶ Riverbend Park: Riverbend Park from levels; the Boston ordinance governing sound the best alternatives to the Hatch Shell or River Street to Greenough Boulevard has levels in a residential/commercial area sets a Esplanade for small- and medium-sized ample room for events as well as for other ceiling of  decibels/ hertz at the source. 64 road races and walkathons. Like the Esplan- public uses. It is accessible by public tran- Events should take place only from : a.m. ade, Lederman Field offers access to transit sit, and Harvard Square garages are avail- to : p.m. There should be no amplified and spectacular views. Special events here able for parking. Walkathons and road sound before : a.m., with the exception would have to be scheduled around athletic races usually end with a celebration, of sound checks. The MDC should approve events, the primary use of this area. Should including a band or disk jockey that plays the use of sound amplification elsewhere in the Lee Pool complex be replaced or removed for several hours. The presence of residen- the Basin and should stipulate that it be in the future it will be important to main- tial buildings would require strict controls directed away from residential areas. Groups tain public restrooms, drinking fountains, on noise. that consistently violate the ordinance should and a concession stand to support large ✶ Daly Field: With improved public transit be denied access to the facility for the follow- events. access to the upper end of the Basin, Daly ing season. Exceptions to the noise ordinance for certain special events, such as the Fourth sand people sitting on blankets. Another two from June through September—rather than of July, should be made at the discretion of hundred to four hundred listeners can be five days week, as is currently done—would the MDC. Bullhorns used during walkathons accommodated at the edges of the oval or also reduce wear and tear. should not be allowed near residential areas. across the lagoon with a view of the Hatch Overall, use of the Hatch Shell should With the exception of the Fourth of Shell. Events that draw crowds significantly be reduced by one-third to maintain the turf July celebration, special concert events larger than this cannot be accommodated in reasonable condition. should be limited in scope to the grassy oval comfortably in this space. If they are permit- and the music lagoon. The oval, about thir- ted, a rest period of two weeks afterward • Fully restore and preserve the Herter teen thousand square feet, can comfortably should be instituted to support landscape Center and outdoor theatre for future accommodate eight hundred to one thou- recovery. Scheduling events four days a week public use. The Herter Center performance complex is less than fifty years old. Modern preservation standards might construe the structure as an intrusion into the original park setting and suggest its removal, but it serves an ongoing public purpose and with some reasonable investment could be restored. Link the outdoor Publick Theatre and Herter Center programmatically so that they support each other. Local institutions and business partners should be identified to assist in advocacy and fund-raising efforts.

THE HERTER CENTER BRIDGES THE LAGOON AT HERTER PARK. 65 designed for motor cars a half-century later. Parkways, Bridges Motorists today feel quite comfortable going five times the speed for which the parkways and paths were intended. Parkways following the banks of the river were an integral Eliot had proposed that the context of a part of the Charles River Reservation from its creation. parkway should determine whether its design The tree-lined parkways, or “pleasure drives,” were designed was formal or picturesque, and Arthur Shurcliff appears to have intended a formal planting of to provide access by horse-drawn vehicle to the scenery of street trees along virtually all the parkways. The the river, to link the Basin to other reservations, and, to  master plan map shows trees on only one a lesser degree, to provide access from the western suburbs to the city. In contrast to the rectilinear pattern of urban streets and the straight causeways and bridges that crossed the open marshes, the parkways were broad and expansive. Their sweep- ing curves and open vistas unlocked the scenery of the Charles, once hidden behind private commer- cial lots and visible only from dead-end streets. 66 The parkways in large measure function as river closer to the city. The park- Charles Eliot intended—as “instruments by ways provide motorists several which the scenery is made accessible and enjoy- opportunities to stop, park, and

able.” Though burdened by much greater traffic visit the shores of the river. LOOKING SOUTHEAST ALONG MEMORIAL DRIVE NEAR HARVARD SQUARE, ABOUT . than their founders could have imagined, the parkways remain among the most enjoyable Breadth of view and the broad gesture were side of Cambridge Parkway, a feature that, roadways in the metropolitan region. Motorists essential to the parkway aesthetic. Ironically, the to its detriment, characterizes it today. The can see the Boston skyline from as far away as scale and alignment of the earliest parkways for Cambridge underpass at the Longfellow Bridge, Watertown, a sight that reappears along the carriages anticipates the modern highways where the viaduct is today, was to be built on Historic bridges filled land with a picturesque massing of trees on either side, a rare exception to regimented street trees. The formal boulevard treatment of The Charles River Basin contains eleven auto- Memorial Drive in front of MIT was intended mobile bridges that connect major roadways as to reach beyond the end of the seawall all the well as multiuse and railroad bridges. The auto- way to the Boston University Boathouse. The map mobile bridges spanning the river are the most shows that the Soldiers Field Road extension in prominent and play an exceptionally important front of the Brighton Abattoir site had been role in defining the historic character of the deleted as an alternate route. The Birmingham Basin. Most of these bridges, in particular the   Parkway, a somewhat redundant road that main- Longfellow Bridge and the Galen tains a much stronger parkway character than Street Bridge, are handsome examples of early Existing Conditions and Issues the commercial Soldiers Field Road extension, twentieth-century civic design that were was also shown on the  map. No landscape specifically planned to enhance the aesthetic treatment was indicated for the Arsenal Street character of the Basin. The Longfellow Bridge is Interference with River Views and North Beacon Street sections. certainly the most substantial, the most visible, One of the most valued aspects of the Charles and to many the most handsome of the bridges. River Basin is that its parkway system visually The parkway system from the historic Charles It is notable for its buttresses shaped like Viking connects tens of thousands of people every day River Dam to Watertown Square consists of ships heading upstream, which recall the popular to the river. Some parkways provide beautiful Storrow Drive on the south bank and Memorial myth that Leif Erickson discovered the Charles views to the Charles, but the growth of vegeta- Drive on the north bank, Soldiers Field Road River Valley. In addition to vehicles the bridge tion along many, particularly in the Upper and its extension, Greenough Boulevard, also carries the MBTA Red Line. Basin in Watertown, blocks river views. The Nonantum Road, and Charles River Road. The roadway between the Bowker Overpass and the vision of a continuous parkway system for the Other bridges that cross the river are the River Street Bridge and stretches of Memorial entire length of the Basin was not completed Harvard Bridge at Massachusetts Avenue, the Drive near Longfellow Park no longer provide 67 until the s with the construction of Green- Boston University, River Street, Western Avenue, access to river scenery—their original and pri- ough Boulevard. Some of the late parkways were Anderson, Eliot, Arsenal Street, and North Beacon mary purpose. never fully landscaped, while many of the origi- Street bridges. On the Cambridge side of the river, nal parkways were widened and are no longer secondary bridges carry traffic over the Broad Horticultural Condition, Diversity, and delineated by a consistent row of street trees. and Lechmere Canals. Other bridges include Maintenance the Craigie Bridge at the Historic Charles River Trees along the parkway shoulders, the narrow Reinforcing the continuity and landscape Dam, and the Grand Junction Railroad Bridge portions of land immediately abutting parkway character of these parkways is crucial to the suc- at the Boston University Bridge. All of the edges, are subject to severe stress, including des- cess of the Charles River Basin as a scenic reser- bridges are more than fifty years old and are iccation, car exhaust, salt and sand deposition, vation in the heart of the city. Achieving this designated as contributing structures in the loss of topsoil caused by storm drainage prob- end in the face of increased traffic and speed is Charles River Basin Historic District. lems, reduction of root systems due to roadway a fundamental challenge. construction, soil compaction from running stretch, with each species grouped for a distance ans, such as those along Soldiers Field Road, and bicycling, and trunk damage caused by before changing, as on Soldiers Field Road have been planted with trees, which greatly grass mowing. The vast majority of trees now across from Herter Park. In some cases, as on enhances the visual character of the parkway exhibit such signs of stress as crown dieback, Storrow Drive west of the Bowker Overpass, but complicates mowing. root shoots, leaf scorch, girdling roots, or loss of adjacent trees are of different species. Of these the tree’s center leader. strategies, single-species plantings and clusters of Curbs a small variety of species are the most visually The parkway curbs are not at a consistent eight- Alternating clusters of different species of successful. There are very few ornamental plant- inch height and are losing their ability to pro- trees and other plantings would create an ings along the parkways. For some time during tect the shoulder planting zone from salt and sand ecosystem less susceptible to disease and insect the s the MDC maintained numerous floral deposition and road runoff. In some places, curb- infestation. Several displays along its park- ing has broken down or been lost. Other places, strategies for species ways, to great public such as along the Soldiers Field Road commercial distribution, some acclaim. strip, have no curb at all. The majority of curb- more successful than ing is intact, but repeated road surfacing has others, exist for the The maintenance raised the road level and reduced curb height. parkway shoulders. In of parkway trees is a few places, most limited due to staff Shoulders notably the site of the and funding shortages. Because bikers and runners use them heavily, London planetrees Maintenance is critical the shoulders have suffered from a great deal of along Memorial Drive, if parkway plantings soil compaction and loss of turf. one plant species grows are to survive and per- on both sides of the form well in the inhos- Guardrails parkway for an pitable shoulder zone. There is no consistent guardrail design, and the extended distance. location of guardrails along the parkways 68 Along other stretches Medians appears inconsistent. Metal guardrails, used fre- of the parkways, such Parkway medians have quently on the parkways, make these roads feel as Memorial Drive been treated inconsis- like highways rather than pleasure drives. between the River tently and are of

Street and Western THE BASIN PARKWAYS ARE INTENDED FOR PLEASURE VEHI- uneven visual quality. Traffic Volume and Speed Avenue bridges, one CLES ONLY. Some are hard sur- The Charles River Basin parkways function as species inhabits one faced, with weeds major arterials serving Boston, Cambridge, Water- side of the road and another the opposite side. forcing their way up through the pavement. town, and Newton. The most significant change The most common condition is the use of clus- Others are narrow zones of grass with guardrails to the parkways over the decades has been the ters of different tree species along a parkway that make mowing difficult. Some wider medi- increase in traffic volume and speed, which has had a deleterious effect on parkway infrastruc- Parkway and Lane Widths Parking ture and landscaping and has changed the way Planning participants and users agree that the Parking is quite limited in many parts of the people experience the Charles River Basin. parkways dominate too much of the Basin. Basin. On the south side of the Lower Basin a While they must be maintained as functional few spaces are available by the Lee Pool. The Parking rules and speed limits are not aggres- arterials, their negative impacts should be more Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary allows sively enforced. Due in part to a lack of enforce- effectively mitigated. Two of the most dramatic Community Boating members to use its park- ment, speeds on the parkways have climbed possibilities are narrowing certain parkways to ing lot during evenings and weekends. Parallel well above posted speed limits. The road align- reclaim parkland and capturing other parkways parking exists along the north side of the Lower ments and the lack of curb cuts invite high for temporary weekend use by pedestrians, bicy- Basin, but students and commuters tend to use speeds. The entire southern bank has become a clists, and skaters. it all day. It is almost always impossible for peo- speedway. There are particular problems on the ple who wish to use the Basin on weekdays to north bank at the straightaway in front of MIT Some of the parkways built or expanded find an open parking space. Above the Lower and near Magazine Beach where the Reid between the s and s were laid out in Basin, parking exists in lots sited where park- Overpass allows acceleration. Many of these anticipation of higher volumes of traffic than lands widen. There is some parallel parking parkways have become high-speed barriers have actually occurred, particularly in the Upper along Charles River Road and North Beacon between neighborhoods and the Basin. Basin and along the north shore. Numerous seg- Street in Watertown and off-peak parking along ments of these parkways are thus excessively wide Memorial Drive. Large numbers of private sur- Design both for existing and anticipated traffic demand. face and structured parking spaces abutting the The sweeping curves of the parkways reflect the Recent traffic counts substantiate these observa- Basin could potentially be shared during off- broad curves of the river and make them pleas- tions. In these cases it is both feasible and desir- peak hours. ing roads to drive. However, many parkway able to narrow the parkways permanently. design elements, such as guardrails and lighting, Intersection Crossings are in poor condition or are not in character Although the overall width of the parkways It is difficult in places for pedestrians, joggers, with the parkland setting. In many cases the can be quite generous, the driving lanes them- cyclists, and skaters to cross the parkways to get 69 landscaping no longer helps to mediate between selves are narrower than the eleven-foot MDC to the Basin. While almost all of the intersec- the parkways and the river. Rather than provid- standard. Along much of the Basin, particularly tions are signalized, many of the traffic lights do ing openings and framing views, landscape on the north side, parkway lanes are only ten not have pedestrian walk phases. Where there materials tend to line the drives with monoto- feet wide. Shoulders vary but are often only one are pedestrian walk phases, the wait is in many nous walls of green. foot wide, making them too narrow for cyclists cases too long—up to  seconds in one case. who prefer to ride on the road. These narrow Long stretches of the parkways have no pedes- widths do slow traffic and preserve space for trian signals of any kind, for example, along the parkland. MIT campus and Nonantum Road. Intersection handicap ramps, which are heavily used by bicyclists and skaters, are often poorly aligned the original land- ParkWay alterations with crosswalks, and space is insufficient for scape character of bicycles, pedestrians, and skaters to queue at the parkways to some crosswalks and pedestrian islands. integrate them with the river setting. Condition of bridges This will help calm Most of the bridges in the Charles River Basin traffic as motorists are experiencing some degree of deterioration, slow down to enjoy NARROW PARKWAY BY TWO LANES NARROW PARKWAY BY ONE LANE and several, although structurally sound, are in the view. Key initia- EXISTING SEASONAL PARKWAY CLOSURES PROPOSED SEASONAL PARKWAY CLOSURES poor condition. Bridge rehabilitation places a tives should include 0 2000 FT major strain on the MDC’s annual bond fund replanting the road- spending cap. If there are no public safety con- way allées, opening views to the water, ing will result in a more attractive and useful cerns, capital funds for their reconstruction are choosing appropriate light fixtures that sup- edge for people and improved habitat and difficult to secure. Bridge repair and replacement port the historic character of the parkways, water quality. must respect the historic character of the Basin. and removing or redesigning intrusive ele- After careful consideration of traffic Structural recommendations are beyond the ments such as guardrails. counts on the parkways and of the width scope of this report. and quality of the parkland adjacent to • Narrow selected segments of the parkways them, this Master Plan recommends these to reclaim riverbank. Narrowing parkways permanent lane alterations: Recommendations for the ✶ Parkways and Bridges can be done only where the roads have close one eastbound travel lane of significant excess capacity and where fewer Nonantum Road from Galen Street to THE HANDSOME RIVER • Restore the pleasure-drive character of the lanes can handle projected traffic volumes. Charlesbank Road; STREET BRIDGE, COM- ✶ PLETED IN , SHOULD parkways and reserve and reinforce a con- Narrowing selected segments of the parkways close one travel lane in each direction on BE STABILIZED AND sistent parkway character along the entire will help to slow traffic to the posted speed Charles River Road from Galen Street to 70 RESTORED. length of the Charles River Basin. Enhance limit. Pedestrian safety and access to the North Beacon Street; Basin will be enhanced both by reducing the ✶ close one travel lane in each direction on amount of roadway that must be crossed to North Beacon Street; reach the river and by slowing traffic on ✶ close one travel lane in each direction on those roads. Greenough Boulevard from Arsenal Street to the approach to the Eliot Bridge; Reclaimed riverbank will permit con- ✶ close one westbound travel lane on gested pathways to be widened from five to Memorial Drive between Fresh Pond six feet to ten or twelve feet in certain areas. Parkway and Hawthorn Street; The additional room for riverbank landscap- ✶ close one westbound travel lane from the service road at the Genzyme front, off Soldiers Field Road at the overpass between days, for example, to draw people to different Cambridge Street and Western Avenue; areas and to serve different groups. Expand ✶ close one eastbound travel lane along the length of season for parkway closures. Memorial Drive at the Cambridge THREE NEW PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS Esplanade in front of MIT; • Reserve existing parking spaces for park ARE RECOMMENDED ✶ narrow the eastbound ramp from the Bos- users, especially in the Lower Basin. In FOR MEMORIAL ton University Bridge to Memorial Drive, such high-demand locations as the Cam- DRIVE NEAR MIT. to provide a wider sidewalk and safer bridge Esplanade, limit parking to two or grade path crossings in the Lower Basin pedestrian crossings. four hours during the day to keep students where traffic is heavy. Pedestrian crossing sig- and commuters from monopolizing available nals should be timed with parallel vehicular • Add more parkway closures to Riverbend spaces. MDC Park Rangers and State Police signals. Motor vehicles are required to yield Park, expand the Riverbend Park model to will need to enforce these limits if they are to to pedestrians in case of conflict, but it other Basin parkways during spring, sum- work. The parking supply should be would be preferable to install an exclusive mer, and fall weekends, and expand the increased in the evenings and on weekends interval for pedestrian crossings within the parkway closure season. Adding temporary by developing shared parking agreements signal cycle where traffic volumes warrant parkway closures will dramatically increase with businesses or institutions along the river the added time. the access of pedestrians, bicyclists, and skaters and installing clear signage to direct users to Wait times for path users should not be to the Charles River Basin. Additions to River- those lots. One westbound lane of Soldiers excessively long, preferably between sixty and bend Park should be phased in over time on Field Road along Herter Park should be set seventy-five seconds. Provide sufficient room a trial basis to determine the cumulative aside for weekend and special-events parking at intersections for several bicycles, pedestri- effect on local traffic. In addition to River- in order to allow a reduction in the size of ans, and skaters to wait safely for the light to bend Park and Greenough Boulevard between the main parking lot at Herter Park. change. New crossing signal icons might dis- North Beacon and Arsenal Streets, these Parking and access for shell trailers play a cyclist as well as a pedestrian figure to parkways should be closed on weekends: should be maintained for boathouses. Because alert drivers to the presence of fast-moving 71 ✶ Charles River Road trailers are intermittently present, areas of cyclists and skaters. ✶ Greenough Boulevard reinforced turf could be designated for their Add pedestrian signals to the following ✶ Eastbound lanes along the Cambridge use. Trailers should not be stored for long existing traffic lights (numbers correspond to Esplanade (with two-way traffic on the periods of time next to boathouses. the numbering on the diagram on page ): westbound lane)  Nonantum Road at Galen Street Close some of the parkways on Saturdays as • Improve and expand the traffic and pedes-  Nonantum Road at North Beacon Street, well as, or instead of, Sundays. Experiment trian signalization throughout the Basin. west side with the schedule of closures. Lower- and Improved signals will dramatically improve  Soldiers Field Road at Arsenal Street Middle-Basin parkways might be closed on safety for non-automotive users. Pedestrian  Memorial Drive at Western Avenue Sundays and Upper-Basin parkways on Satur- signals should be provided along most at-  Memorial Drive at River Street  Soldiers Field Road at Cambridge Street Pedestrian crossings • Strengthen pedes- Pond trian access. Pro- Pkwy. 18 Mt. Auburn St. Brattle St. Memorial vide pedestrian Drive

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Galen S 6 Mass. Blvd 5 Cambridge St. Greenough ve 3 Ave. 14 Rd. Memorial vard, the Eliot River Rd. Ext. morial Dri t. 15 8 Me 19 Field Non antum iers y. 13 Rd. 2 Sold Birmingham Pkw 12 20 Cambridge St. 11 Bridge, and Fresh Mass. Turnpike 16 N. B Ma 9 7 eacon St. ss. 10 Charles Dr ve ve T ive Dri ur l Dri ria S n Memo t. pi ke 23 Pond Parkway. ow Storr on St. Intersections where improvements in Beac

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v e. at all intersections NARROWING Install additional pedestrian signals at several Install pedestrian/bicycle crosswalks and along the Basin to serve bicyclists, skaters, GREENOUGH cross streets and mid-block locations: yield signs at certain intersections or mid- and people in wheelchairs; align ramps with BOULEVARD BY TWO LANES  Nonantum Road and Brooks Street: align block crossings: crosswalks at the following locations: WILL ALLOW THE crosswalk and existing signal  Nonantum Road at Charlesbank Road  Nonantum Road at Brooks Street REESTABLISH-  Nonantum Road at North Beacon Street, (possible link to a future pedestrian  Memorial Drive at JFK Street MENT OF A HEALTHY RIVER- east side bridge)  Soldiers Field Road at North Harvard BANK ALONG THE   Memorial Drive at either Pleasant or key cross streets on Charles River Road, Street SHOULDER OF Magazine Street in Cambridgeport including Irving Street near the playground  Memorial Drive at Amesbury Street THE PARKWAY.  Memorial Drive at Endicott Street at MIT  North Beacon Street at Greenough  Memorial Drive at Harvard Bridge Boulevard  Memorial Drive at Wadsworth Street by  at the intersection of Soldiers Field Road MIT (Wadsworth is preferred over Ames and Parsons Street add a crosswalk to 72 to avoid queues back to the underpass) serve Brighton  Greenough Boulevard at Grove Street In all instances it appears that pedestrian  Memorial Drive at Sparks Street (Sparks is volumes warrant pedestrian signals. This preferred over Hawthorn due to its align- assumption will need to be tested in each ment, parking, bus stop, and proximity to case, particularly at the mid-block crossings. Mt. Auburn Street)  Memorial Drive at the start of the curved viaduct as it approaches Longfellow Bridge. • Selectively clear vistas in the Upper Basin to • For ground cover, shoulders should be minimum of six feet, plant with a fescue mix reestablish access to river scenery for motor- planted with fescue-rich grass mix. Fescue and, in certain limited areas where more orna- ists, bicyclists, and pedestrians (see page 41). requires only two mowings per season and is mental treatment is warranted, with com- more adaptable to inhospitable urban condi- pact, hardy shrubs (but avoid shrubs such as • Balance river views with traffic screening. tions than other grass types. Less mowing will rosa rugosa, which tend to trap trash). Where Decisions about shoulder and parkland reduce damage to trees, while turf coverage will the median is a minimum of ten feet, plant planting should balance the need for river reduce water transpiration and soil compaction with canopy trees and underplant with fes- views from the road with the need to screen in the shoulder zone. Other grasses with a cue to reinforce parkway character. traffic from parklands. high salt tolerance should be part of the mix. Further research and trials should be under- • Assess the need for guardrails, and use only • Implement a comprehensive maintenance taken to determine the most successful mix. where necessary. Consider a center guard- program for parkway trees. rail where needed, rather than double • Replace and maintain topsoil in shoul- guardrails. Where there are insufficient • Improve the shoulder planting zone, or ders. Topsoil is missing and needs to be recovery zones, guardrails contribute to park- “tree lawn,” to support plant growth. The replaced in most shoulder planting zones. way safety by directing cars away from steep shoulder planting zones are key to reintegrat- Sandy loam and organic material should be embankments, trees, or other hazards. Recent ing the parkways into the park. Currently added whenever new planting is planned. research indicates, however, that many guard- most tree lawns are poor environments for rails may actually raise the risk to people by plantings. The minimum width of tree lawns • Increase the paved shoulder width to a directing a skidding car back into traffic. should be six feet, the standard width through- minimum of three feet where existing Guardrails are visually intrusive, narrow the out much of the Basin, but a minimum of pavement allows. Widening shoulders usable portion of paths, and reduce the qual- eight to ten feet would create a far healthier would provide space for those cyclists want- ity of the park experience. The MDC should planting zone. Where the shoulder planting ing to bike on the parkways but can only do review the current standards for the design and zone is less than six feet wide, trees should be so today along sections of the Upper Basin. location of guardrails along parkways and re- 73 avoided and fescue should be planted. Recreational bicyclists will continue to be move those that are unnecessary or dangerous.

accommodated on multiuse paths along the CORTEN STEEL • Along any given stretch, parkway trees river in order to limit the width of the park- GUARDRAILS ON should alternate among clusters of no ways and preserve space for parkway trees. WOODEN POSTS BLEND WELL WITH more than three species in order to pro- A PARK LANDSCAPE vide canopy continuity. Recommendations • Embellish rotary islands and medians with for parkway tree plantings should consider plantings of perennials and ornamental the adjacent context of the parkway, how the grasses to improve their visual character road alignment affects the perception of the and support maintenance. Where the tree allée, and the relative needs for plantings median is narrow, about three feet, use on the river and land sides of the parkway. pavers on a bituminous concrete sub-base to inhibit weed growth. Where the median is a • Standardize guardrail design throughout speeds and volumes of parkway the Basin and substitute a distinctive traffic. They are an attractive design that is safe and attractive. Consider nuisance for skaters and bicy- changing all rails to wood with steel backing clists, some of whom use them as on the Merritt Parkway or corten steel on to get airborne. wooden uprights, the National Park Service Strictly enforce speed lim- standard for reservations. Where guardrails its after a period of notification, back onto a path, a second wooden rail and use portable radar-activated should be placed on the path side to protect speed signs to indicate the speed bicyclists and skaters from injury. of oncoming cars during the notification period. Concentrate

• Calm traffic and reduce speeds on park- enforcement efforts where pedes- THIS  SHOWS THE HISTORIC LAMPS THAT ORIGINALLY LINED THE ways that abut neighborhoods. Proper land- trian conflict is high and speed- ANDERSON BRIDGE. scaping with trees fairly close to the curb will ers can be pulled over safely. Combine enforce- • Develop and follow maintenance plans for narrow the apparent width of the parkway ment with an effort to educate motorists about each bridge. In the event a bridge needs to and thus induce motorists to slow down. The the parkways as a special asset shared by be replaced, new bridge design should reflect ability of trees to reach across the parkway bicyclists, skaters, and pedestrians. the key character-defining features of Basin from either side and interlace their branches bridges, including such features as arches and creates the greatest sense of enclosure. This • Maintain ten- to eleven-foot lane widths historic lighting. planting should be a high priority for parkways. as the standard. This lane width is generally Attractive signs should mark the transi- appropriate for parkways. Where off-peak • Reintroduce consistent lighting on all tion to MDC parkways along the river. Tex- parallel parking is permitted, the parking lane Charles River bridges to mark the river at tured pavement should be introduced at cer- width should be eight feet, with a shoulder of night and illuminate these landmarks. tain key transition points to special zones, two to three feet, to accommodate car doors. Design and install architectural lighting for 74 such as the Cambridge Esplanade, in order to the Longfellow Bridge, Eliot Bridge, and slow traffic. Rumble strips are effective but Weeks Footbridge to illuminate their distinc- should be sited with care; sudden changes in Recommendations for tive architectural features. sound and texture can startle drivers and Historic Bridges cause them to swerve. Where weekend road- • Seek alternative sources of funding for closures are anticipated, rumble strips should • Prepare historic structure reports for all bridge repair and replacement that does have a smooth section at the center to permit bridges to assess their historical significance not compete for limited park budgets. inline skaters to cross them. Raised speed and structural integrity and to recommend bumps at intersections, while appropriate for proper preservation programs and techniques. residential streets, would not be safe for the Access and Circulation Reservation are currently under construction; Absence of Loops portions are already open. What was once known The most tenuous and incomplete pedestrian, Use of the Charles River Basin is enhanced by as the “Lost Half-Mile,” the stretch between the biker, and skater loops are in the Lower Basin, its proximity to public transportation, its con- historic Charles River Dam and Boston Harbor, the most densely populated and heavily used part. nections to other areas, and the ability of users is now being built as the “New Charles River to make effective use of its pathways. Basin,” a system of linked parks and pathways. Underutilized Public Transit Parking lots could be reduced in the Basin if Many people already use public transporta- One of the most common travel patterns for more users traveled by subway or bus, particu- tion to get to the Charles. Subway service is walkers, joggers, and skaters along the river is larly for special events. best below the Anderson Bridge, where the Red making a loop around the Basin. Above the Line stations at Charles/MGH, Kendall Square/ Boston University Bridge a series of loops of MIT, and Harvard Square are close to the Basin. Recommendations for Access manageable distances exists; the only loop that and Circulation The Charles/MGH station comes closest to the is too long to stroll comfortably is between the river and is currently undergoing redesign. The Galen Street and North Beacon Street bridges in • Strengthen the connections to the Emerald Green Line runs parallel to the Charles for the Upper Basin. Necklace by creating a new Charlesgate much of the river’s length, with convenient path system. stations at Lechmere and the Science Museum, and from Park Street through the Boston Existing Conditions and Issues • Establish a connection across North University stops on Commonwealth Avenue. Beacon Street to the restored open space North-South Connections associated with the Arsenal development Because commercial vehicles are not allowed The Charles River Basin is the heart of the and to the Minuteman Bike Path exten- on the Basin parkways, bus service is available Metropolitan Park System, yet its connections to sion on the opposite side of Arsenal Street. only on intersecting or nearby routes. Bus serv- that system are often tenuous, particularly to ice in the middle stretches of the Basin from lines the north and south. The Emerald Necklace • Produce a pocket trail map to introduce 75 crossing the Western Avenue, River Street, and originally connected with the Basin at the Fens, users to these new regional links and to Arsenal Street bridges is acceptable. In the yet the Bowker Overpass prevents a direct link. proposed connections. Upper Basin, bus lines serving Watertown Square, Fresh Pond and Mt. Auburn Cemetery are an Newton Corner, and Oak Square are marginally easy trip from the Basin, but there is no safe and • Establish a connection along the upstream convenient, coming within a fifteen-minute easy path to either. Although a multiuse trail side of the Museum of Science. walk of major destination points on the river. from the Minuteman Bike Path at Alewife to the Watertown Arsenal has been proposed, the • Improve connections to the shore path at Years of planning and effort have brought Basin currently is not connected to it or to any both ends of the Longfellow Bridge and about some exciting new east-west pathway other part of the growing network of multiuse from the new Charles/MGH subway station. connections. New connections between trails in the region. Coordinate Longfellow Bridge connections Watertown Square and the Upper Charles River on the Boston side with circulation improve- ments around a new Charles/MGH subway Loop Plan station. Establish a direct aerial connection

between the redesigned station, the Basin, and New pedestrian

Eliot Bridge bridge at dam Charles the Longfellow Bridge. A well-designed sys- New pedestrian River Dam bridge Anderson Strengthen Watertown Bridge Weeks Dam Bridge connections Western and crossings tem of pedestrian bridges would provide full Avenue Bridge

Galen Street Longfellow Bridge North Beacon Bridge Street Bridge River Street Arsenal Street Bridge access without compromising the historic Bridge

Harvard integrity of the Longfellow Bridge. Improve Bridge the connections at the Cambridge viaduct. Less than 3 miles Boston University Greater than 3 miles Bridge Weak links within a loop Reuse railroad bridge; pedestrian underpass on Connection to the • Create a new pedestrian crossing across New pedestrian bridge Cambridge bank. Emerald Necklace the river at the Boston University Bridge. Use the abandoned half of the Grand Junction the shore path across the railroad tracks and • Encourage the use of public transporta- Railroad Bridge that passes underneath the along the shore in front of Boston Univer- tion to reach the Basin for outings and Boston University Bridge to make a new sity’s DeWolfe Boathouse; and ) working special events. Work with the MBTA to THE WEEKS BRIDGE, DESIGNED BY MCKIM, crossing. Deck over and pave the bridge sec- with the city of Cambridge, extend a path provide clear orientation maps and signs MEAD AND WHITE AND tion and fence off the active tracks. Provide a underneath Memorial Drive and up the to help visitors find their way to the river.  DEDICATED IN , SETS ramped path up to the crossing on the south Grand Junction Railroad alignment into East Announcements for large events at the Basin A HIGH STANDARD FOR PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES side and a ramped path down from the inter- Cambridge. should encourage public transportation use ACROSS THE CHARLES. section on the north side. by giving directions and schedules. • Build a new pedestrian bridge across the Study the concept of dedicated shuttle river near Maple Street in Newton in the vans to serve the Basin during peak-use peri- Upper Basin. This -foot bridge would ods. “Green vans” might be equipped with shorten a .-mile loop to a more manage- bicycle racks so that families could take one- able distance, provide better access to Daly way bicycle trips along the Charles. Special 76 Field and the Watertown meadows, and pro- events in the Upper Basin could use the vans vide stunning views of the Upper Basin. to supplement public transportation. While Such a project should be able to attract pri- expensive, such a program might attract busi- Separate but related initiatives would vate funding and could be built in conjunc- ness sponsors because of its high visibility. improve pathway loops in the Lower Basin: tion with public improvements to the park ) create a second boardwalk underpass at the area along Charles River Road. The Weeks • Maintain existing pedestrian bridges. Boston University Bridge to link this loop to Bridge is a good example of a privately Clean drains, paint support structures and Magazine Beach along the river; ) extend funded improvement. railings, trim overhanging branches, and regrade surfaces.