New Bedford advisory committee selects site for Upper Cushnet River rowing docks

The New Bedford Finance Committee meeting on June 11, 2025, focused on the proposed development of public rowing docks on the Upper Cushnet River. Mary Raposa presented the project, which aims to enhance recreational access to the river for rowing enthusiasts and the general public.

Raposa explained that the initiative stems from two parallel projects: the establishment of a rowing center and the development of a River Walk, both designed to facilitate public access to the river. Since 2023, the New Bedford Rowing Community has been actively involved, holding two public meetings that attracted over 40 attendees each. This strong community interest led to the formation of an advisory committee comprising representatives from various local rowing organizations and public schools.

The committee evaluated three potential sites for the docks: the Aravox site, the Sawyer Street site, and the Market Basket site. The Aravox site was ultimately chosen due to its favorable conditions for launching vessels, including adequate water depth and accessibility for trailers. The Sawyer Street site was deemed unsuitable due to its elevation and ongoing EPA restrictions, while the Market Basket site was ruled out because it is not city-owned.

Concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the transparency of the advisory committee's selection process, particularly from Councilor Giesta, who expressed disappointment at not being invited to earlier meetings. Despite this, the committee maintained that the chosen site was the best option based on expert recommendations.

The docks will be open to the public for non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks and canoes, without any usage fees. Maintenance will be handled by the city’s Department of Public Infrastructure. While there are currently no plans for scheduling usage, the committee indicated that this could be revisited if demand increases.

Overall, the project aims to foster community engagement with the river and promote rowing as a recreational activity in New Bedford. The committee is optimistic about the public's reception of the docks and is eager to move forward with construction, pending funding approval.