The Celtics are world champions! We have a whole summer to exult in the exploits of the greatest Boston basketball squad in a generation. The road here has been exhausting for the players, no doubt, and on some fans too, unaccustomed to the late nights and rough wake-ups of playoff hoops. Now comes another transition: Getting back to a “normal” cycle without the getting a case of the post-championship blues.
Thankfully, the Celts triumph comes at a time of extended celebration here in our neighborhoods, which have likewise enjoyed a green renaissance of sorts in recent years. Thanks to the folks from the Boston Natural Areas Network – and their co-sponsors – there are plenty of ways to channel our championship buzz into a summer filled with outdoor fun right in our own backyards.
The Neponset River Greenway Festival – now in its 14th year – starts next Thursday. It offers 25 free events that help bring our waterfront communities together in a sprawling celebration of the Neponset River and its revitalized parklands. The festival includes evening movies every Thursday (starting July 3) at Pope John Paul II Park, the 72 acre jewel in Neponset that was once a dump site and, appropriately, a drive-in theatre! There are canoe and bike trips for all levels of paddlers and peddlers. There’s free performances for kids at Ryan Playground. In August, there’ll be a big beach festival at Savin Hill and Malibu. There’s even a new photography workshop in addition to a popular annual watercolor painting workshop.
It all begins next Thursday with the Neponset Family Fun Night & 5K River Run – an evening celebration that will include dancing, music, face painting, a moon bounce, free food and refreshments and more. The event – from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. at Martini Shell, Truman Parkway in Hyde Park- also includes a 5K Run. Runners must register in advance by calling 617-962-4756 (entry fee for the race is $20).
The Reporter is once again proud to be a sponsor of this wonderful event, along with a number of fine agencies and community groups including the state’s Department of Conservation & Recreation, the Neponset River Greenway Council, and Mattapan Community Development Corporation.
A full list of all of the events be printed in next week’s Reporter. Or go to bostonnatural.org. Get out there, wear your Celtics’ green and celebrate a championship season and the fruits of many years of hard work to restore our own green treasures along the Neponset. Happy summer!
