Charles River Canoe and Kayak Loses Bid to Run Newton Boathouse

After four decades in Newton, Charles River Canoe and Kayak has lost a bid for a permit to operate at the state's boathouse off Commonwealth Avenue. 

The local company was recently outbid by Hopkinton-based Boston Outdoor Recreation, according to a recent report in the Boston Globe. 

Charles River Canoe and Kayak currently pays $5,000/year to operate the boathouses in Newton and Brighton, the Globe reported, and has made $30,000 in capital improvements at both locations.

Boston Outdoor Recreation, which will also operate locations in Hopkinton, Natick and South Boston, won with a bid of $40,000 plus promises to provide some free programs for veterans and underprivileged children, the Globe reported.

Boston Outdoor Recreation Owner Michael Aghajanian told the Globe he and Charles River Canoe and Kayak owner Larry Smith are currently working out a transition plan for the boathouse and aim to keep some current staff on board.

For more details on this story, check out the full report in The Boston Globe.

According to the Charles River Canoe and Kayak Facebook page, the five-year permit awarded by the Department of Conservation and Recreation begins this season. 

"All the rates, season passes, hours of operation, classes, kayak trips, reservations, team building events, birthday parties, corporate outings, boat and gear sales, and kids paddling programs will proceed as planned, the Facebook Page said.

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