A Refuge Along the River

Who would have thunk 10 years ago that Magazine Beach would be the beautiful park it is today, with walking paths along the river, places to gather under the big old shade trees and, now, the Mass Audubon Nature Center.

Three other features will transform the park in 2023:

1. the FREE Olympic-sized pool that is being rebuilt now;
2. the last eyesore, the sunken parking lot between the pool and the river, will become a grassy beach and a new dock and outlook will be added, providing greater water access (Phase II-2);
3. the current exercise area will be revamped with new equipment and a new surface.

All of this is happening because of DCR’s leadership, Cambridge’s financial investment, and the community’s advocacy, led by us, Magazine Beach Partners (MBP).

How grateful we are for this urban oasis: to DCR; to our partners the Charles River Conservancy, Mass Audubon and the Riverside Boat Club; and to YOU. Working together, we have accomplished so much.

In 2022, MBP:

• contributed $130k towards Phase II-2;
• served as the fiscal sponsor for the Plastic Tapestry project and donated $2k towards it;
• donated 30 Adirondack chairs for park use;
• sponsored yoga and West African dance classes;
• supported Mass Audubon as they launched their urban nature center by publicizing their programs and connecting them with the community;
• led or assisted with leaf raking, branch collection and park cleanups;
• reported broken limbs, graffiti and trash and yard waste for pick up to DCR many times! They can’t be everywhere and we are the eyes on the park.

We welcome gifts for park improvements. 

Donate by PayPal or send a check made out to “Magazine Beach Partners” to MBP Treasurer Decia Goodwin at 175 Chestnut St., Cambridge, MA 02139. (We are a 501c3.; gifts may be tax deductible.)

Wishing you the happiest of new years!

Cathie Zusy for the Amazing MBP Board: Ken Carson, Brian Conway, Richard Garver, Decia Goodwin, Paul Lyons & Fred Yalouris

Note: While the Nature Center is closed, Mass Audubon is offering programs at the park this winter, including bird walks Jan. 7 and Feb. 4 and a nature photography class Jan. 14. Click here for details.