News regarding the development of a skatepark under the Zakim Bridge:
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in collaboration with the Charles River Conservancy (CRC) has issued a request for proposals for future operation, management and maintenance of the proposed Charles River Skatepark. The proposed Charles River Skatepark would be constructed under the ramps of the Zakim Bridge in East Cambridge and would feature state of the art skating facilities designed by Grindline, a leader in the industry.
“We look forward to seeing the park built and thriving,” said Commissioner Edward M. Lambert, Jr. “We hope to find a company that shares our excitement and vision to manage this proposed park once it is completed.”
The DCR and CRC will continue to collaborate the planning of development and construction until completion, at which time, operation, maintenance and management responsibilities will be assigned to a selected contractor. The selected contractor will be charged with these duties for an initial five years, through the issuance of a permit. At the conclusion of the initial five years, DCR may decide to extend the contract for an additional five years. Funding for these operation and maintenance duties will be provided by the CRC.
The CRC began planning for the park in 2001 and has been responsible for raising the funds for the future management, operation, upkeep and maintenance of the park. Construction monies will come from the Big Dig Mitigation Fund.
“We are proud to be a part of this project, and hope that the final product will serve to better the community and help to foster more active use of the parklands,” said Renata von Tscharner, President of the Charles River Conservancy.
Interested individuals and organizations should submit proposals to the DCR by September 23, 2011, by 2:00 P.M. All proposals must include sections regarding description of entity and related experience, description of services to be provided, financial and budget information, and costs. The DCR will accept any questions regarding the proposal via mail or email until 5pm on August 29, 2011. For more information visit: www.comm-pass.com.
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The Charles River Conservancy (CRC), founded in 2000, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit citizens advocacy group dedicated to the stewardship and renewal of the Charles River Parklands from Boston Harbor to the Watertown Dam. The Conservancy works in close partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the agency responsible for the Charles River parklands, parkways, and pathways.
More than 2,500 Conservancy Volunteers help each year to landscape and improve the Charles River Parklands. The Conservancy also collaborates with other organizations and coalitions to advocate for increased urban parks funding, for better access to parklands by pedestrians and bicyclists, for retuning swimming as well as for other improvements to the parklands.
A leader in forming public-private partnerships, the Conservancy has successfully leveraged funds for many projects that make the Parklands more active and accessible for all such as for the world-class skate park under the Leonard P. Zakim Bridge, resurfacing pathways along the river, Sunday Parkland Games, RiverSing, illuminating four historic bridges, volunteer service days and educating the public about the Charles River Parklands.
For over ten years the Charles River Conservancy with its over 25,000 supporters and volunteers has worked to expand upon the legacy of Charles Eliot, whose vision for a democratic common ground and a place for outdoor wellness remains challenging and timely.
4 Brattle Street #309, Cambridge, MA 02138 —— (617) 608-1410 office / (617) 491-1245 (fax) www.TheCharles.org
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, oversees 450,000 acres of parks and forests, beaches, bike trails, watersheds, dams, and parkways. Led by Commissioner Edward M. Lambert Jr., the agency’s mission is to protect, promote, and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr. Contact us at mass.parks@state.ma.us.
251 Causeway Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114 — (617) 626-1250 office / (617) 626-1351 (fax)