Event Date June 20th. See my Facebook event posted for changes and updates!

Before the dam comes down, provide one last access to the Charles River for 32 lucky individuals who have no canoe or kayak. The South Natick Dam has been part of our community since 1934. It was built by Natick residents, for Natick residents, with Natick residents' own wages during the Great Depression. Town employees voluntarily gave 7.5 percent of their annual wages to build it. Nearly 3,000 people attended its dedication — speakers called it a national shrine.

It became Natick's first swimming hole. A boathouse served the community for decades. The Charles River Watershed Association — the organization now leading this demolition — called this the most beautiful and most canoeable section of all 80 miles of the Charles River in their own 1973 published guide.

This summer the Town plans to permanently demolish it.

Before that happens we want to fill the impoundment with canoes and kayaks one last time — neighbors, families, children, and anyone who loves this stretch of the Charles — while aerial drone footage captures what we stand to lose forever.

What we have arranged:

We have reserved 32 kayaks — a mix of single and tandem boats — delivered directly to the South Natick Dam for a four hour community paddle. We have also arranged a canoe delivery to the site. Every boat will be on the water. Every dollar raised goes directly to making that happen.

Here is what your donation covers:

$25 — The Paddler: Helps get one person on the water
$50 — The Neighbor: Helps get two people on the water
$100 — The Family: Sponsors one full boat for the morning — a kayak or canoe for the day
$250 — The Boathouse: Sponsors two and a half boats — named after the original boathouse that served this community near Eliot Street for decades
$500 — The 1934: Sponsors five boats — named after the year Natick built this dam with its own residents' wages
$1,000 — The National Shrine: Full event sponsor — named after what speakers called the dam at its 1934 dedication. Includes recognition in all event materials and social media

Every dollar raised goes directly to boat rentals and event costs. Any surplus supports ongoing civic advocacy including filing fees and document preparation. We are volunteers. Nobody is paid.

This is a celebration of something beautiful that is about to be permanently lost.

Help us get the community on the water.

Organized by Michael A. Trinidad, Former Natick Town Meeting Member

Questions? Contact Michael at teimat@proton.me or 508-333-2845

Paddle the Dam Donation - Get Natick on the Water Before it's Gone!