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New Alewife wetland, with boardwalk, amphitheater, due for Tuesday unveiling



From CambridgeDay.com
http://www.cambridgeday.com/2013/10/14/new-alewife-wetland-with-boardwalk-amphitheater-due-for-tuesday-unveiling/
Accessed Monday, October 21, 2013

New Alewife wetland, with boardwalk, amphitheater, due for Tuesday unveiling
By Marc Levy
October 14, 2013

More than two years of work making a 3.4-acre wetland at Alewife culminates with a grand opening from 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The Alewife Reservation Constructed Wetland is just west of the Alewife T Station along the Alewife Greenway Extension multi-use path – newly obvious because part of the project is recreational amenities such as a boardwalk and scenic overlooks, an amphitheater designed with seating for a class of students and links to the Alewife Greenway Extension’s bike and pedestrian paths. The area also has interpretive signage and environmental education opportunities.

The wetland – which officials said included the creation of several types of habitats ranging from emergent marsh to riparian woodland, adding to existing biodiversity – is a joint project of the city’s Department of Public Works, Massachusetts Water Resource Authority and state Department of Conservation and Recreation that began more than two years ago, starting with excavation in July 2011.

The goals: eliminate a sewer outfall, minimize flooding in the Concord Avenue and Fresh Pond Parkway areas, protect Fresh Pond from flood waters and reduce the discharge of pollutants to the Little River and Alewife Brook.

“This newly constructed wetland not only improves water quality in the Little River and Alewife Brook, but also provides a new and unique recreational and educational open space for the community to enjoy,” said Richard C. Rossi, city manager.

More information, including a set of photo, is here.