The Charles River Dam in South Natick – an attraction for artists, birders and fishing enthusiasts for generations – is entering its final few months of existence.
Later this summer, the waterfall structure and fish ladder will be removed, according to the town’s webpage on this project. The park near the library and Grove Park (the hill with mature pine trees on the other side of the river) will remain in place.
Some historic features — including a portion of the spillway, the dam’s gate structure and the historic millstones embedded near the viewing area — will be preserved and integrated into the future park layouts.
During the removal phase, Grove Park will be closed from around June 22 through Oct. 31. All other parks in the area, including Old Town Park, the Multipurpose Courts and Hunnewell Fields, will remain open.
A Community Flotilla of canoes and kayaks is planned for Saturday, June 20. Participants are expected to arrive around 8 a.m., with a launch scheduled for 9:30 a.m. All skill levels welcome.
Families welcome. Must have own canoe or kayak and life jackets for all on the boats.
For information and directions, as well as to see whether space is still available, visit this page.
This event is not sponsored by the town.
A pricier paddle, $100 for Mass Audubon members and $120 for non-members, is slated for June 13 (noon-4pm), with featured guide, Waban Webquish, Wampanoag-Nipmuc Culture Keeper and wildlife photographer. This event starts and ends at Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St. (Rte. 16).
