Walking path may ramble to WR

By David L. Harris/ Staff Writer

Thursday, October 14, 2004

If environmentalists, state planners and some politicians have it their way, the part of the Charles River that flows next to West Roxbury might soon be home to permanent walking paths and pedestrian bridges, duplicating the soon-to-be-completed boardwalks and paths that link Watertown and Newton to Boston.

The only challenges: receiving funding; and convincing residents that the project benefits the community.

"Many residents [in Newton and Watertown] were opposed to it [before it opened 14 years ago] and now they think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread," said Robert Zimmerman, executive director of the Charles River Watershed Association. "The plan is to continue upstream ... to get all the way up to West Roxbury."

Dirt and mulch paths, more suitable for hiking currently line the Charles River around Millennium Park, all the way to Highland Avenue in Needham.

Work together

Zimmerman said any plan would have to work with neighbors along the river and could take four or more years to hatch.

"They'd have to come to an agreement with abutters," said Zimmerman. "If people come to take the time to walk in this park, it's not something to be opposed."

Daniel Driscoll, senior planner for the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, said the project funding is not available right now.

"It could be as quick as two years or as long as five to 10," said Driscoll. "It could be never if people don't focus on it. To really do it right, you need a decent amount of funding."

State Rep. Mike Rush, D-West Roxbury, is interested in the project and is currently talking with the Watershed Association and working with the DCR.

"It's twofold: the use of the river in a passive way [by constructing the paths] and also in an active way, like kayaking and canoeing," said Rush. "These are things I'm interested in and looking into."

Havey reborn

Rush said that he'd like to rehabilitate DCR's Havey Beach, which sits abandoned and overgrown next to the Charles.

"A lot of this depends on funding," said Rush. "Every good idea has to have a beginning. Back as a child, I always looked at that area and said it would be wonderful if people can use it. It is and can be fantastic. The beach is all overgrown and the [Havey Beach] building is boarded up."

But, if all goes well, the building that once served as a recreational facility could be put back into use and paths could line both sides of the river, providing a link directly from West Roxbury to the Back Bay.

Driscoll doubted that the Havey Beach building would ever be used again, but did not discount funding for improving the beach to make way for a canoe launch.

Walkers in Millenium Park were excited about the prospects of more permanent paths earlier this week.

"It would be very nice," said James Fennessy, 59, of West Roxbury, who walks every day around the park.

Another consistent walker agreed.

"Absolutely," said Michelle Canning, 39, of Hyde Park, "especially if there's a bike path."

David Harris can be reached at dharris@cnc.com.