Charlesgate Alliance

10/08/2026

The Charlesgate Alliance has worked with Norm Healie of The Growing Tree, in conjunction with DCR, on limestone treatment to raise soil pH in The Grove area of the park. A higher pH neutralizes acidity, supplies vital nutrients, and unlocks trapped minerals so plants can absorb them. We hope that this treatment will encourage some turf growth and will also make the absorption of nutrients easier and more beneficial to the newly planted trees. The trees are also receiving special applications. We won't know until spring how successful this has been.

08/21/2026

The MassDOT construction team is making great progress at the Charlesgate Site. Precast concrete planks have been installed over the new Newbury Street pedestrian underpass. New roadway and sidewalk light poles are being installed. The new pedestrian curb-cuts that will reconnect the Commonwealth Avenue Mall are being installed. Foundations for the new multi-modal path bridge over I-90 are being built.

Congratulations and thank you to MassDOT for continuing the great work!

07/30/2026

Check out some of the changes that are coming to the Charlesgate area, thanks to the Mass. Department of Transportation! The future Charlesgate West connection is taking shape as crews build the roadway base for the new crossing over I-90. The new granite curbs are beginning to reveal the future layout of Charlesgate—expanding the park, narrowing the intersection, and creating dedicated walking and biking paths carefully laid out to preserve mature trees. By removing the slip lanes at the Boylston Street intersection, this project is creating new park space and a safer, more welcoming entrance to the Emerald Necklace. The new dedicated shared-use bridge and Charlesgate West bridge are being built directly on top of the original stone abutments from H.H. Richardson and Frederick Law Olmsted's historic bridge. New light poles are being staged for installation along the new pedestrian pathways connecting the Back Bay Fens and Charlesgate Park.

07/30/2026

05/15/2026

Trees planted last year in memory of Fran Gershwin and Betsy Shure Gross in The Grove and maples on the west side of the Bowker are leafing out nicely Our Muddy River Emerald Necklace Conservancy

05/01/2026

Come take a look sometime at the refreshed paint job on the DCR utility box by the one entrance to the Grove.

04/25/2026

Thanks to the 35 people who came out for the Charlesgate portion of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy Muddy River Cleanup!