On Monday, Sept. 26, DCR and landscape architects Crosby Schlessinger Smallridge will introduce the Magazine Beach Park Project to the Cambridge Conservation Commission. Above is the latest design for the park.
The primary goals of this revitalization effort are to restore and improve connectivity and access to the Charles River while providing improvements to the site around the renovated Powder Magazine, which is the Park’s focal point. Park enhancements include improvements to the existing kayak launch area, the installation of two overlook platforms and a dock, river vista pruning, vegetation management, and wetland restoration/replication. Additional improvements include enlarging an existing stone patio and retaining wall at the Powder Magazine, installing a splash pad near the swimming pool, improving existing footpaths, adding new footpaths, and removing a paved parking area from the riverfront area.
DCR will also submit a Vegetation Management Plan (“VMP”), which addresses the trimming and pruning of vegetation along the riverfront. Its goal is to control invasive species, to establish a healthy riparian edge; and to maintain vistas along the river’s edge. It will achieve this with invasive and non-native species control, vista pruning, and tree removals/plantings.
The project proposes the following shoreline treatments:
Along Shore near Swimming Pool: Remove invasives and replace with native wetland perennials and grasses. Regrading of the shore will increase shore planting area.
Along Shore near Powder Magazine: Remove invasives and replace with native wetland perennials and grasses, native shrubs and naturally spaced boulders.
Between the Weeping Willow and the Boat Launch: Remove invasives throughout, prune shrub Willows along the edge of the path and at select “hedged” areas that open views to the river.
The CCC meeting is Monday, Sept. 26 at 7pm at the City Hall Annex at 344 Broadway–4th floor conference room.
UPDATE: CCC will do a site walk of the park Oct. 19 at 4pm. Meet at the Riverside Boat Club parking lot. The next hearing will be Monday, Oct. 24 @ 7pm at 344 Broadway–4th floor. DCR & CSS will also present park plans to the public Oct. 20, 6:30-8pm at the Morse School (40 Granite St.)
Magazine Beach 
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