If you live in Cambridgeport, you’re likely aware of the Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association’s partnership with the Mass Department of Conservation and Recreation to revitalize Magazine Beach, and specifically, to repair the old powder magazine structure, which is seriously deteriorating and in need of immediate attention.
If you don’t live in Cambridgeport, you’re likely wondering what the heck Magazine Beach even is. Well, if you could call it a park, it would be the city’s second largest. As it is, it’s currently a blah piece of riverfront land at the end of Magazine Street where it hits Memorial Drive — across from the Shell Gas sign. However, 100 years ago, it was a popular spot for bathing and recreation and the powderhouse building served as a bath house.
And if the CNA and DCR have their way, Magazine Beach will be brought back to its former glory (not sure about the swimming in the Charles part), and the powderhouse would be the anchor structure, perhaps serving as a concession stand/kiosk. I think this would be just fab — if you do too, you can help the effort by making a donation to the cause — a capital campaign is currently underway to raise $100k.
Here are some links with more info:
Boston Globe article: Historic granite building may serve to revitalize Magazine Beach
Cambridge Chronicle article: Cambridge’s Magazine Beach prime for revitalization
For questions or even more detail, contact Cathie Zusy, CNA Board Member, at 617.868.0489 or visit www.magazinebeach.wordpress.com. The CNA is a 501c3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible.