Community Rowing Inc. is a major Boston institution, open to the public. Needless to say, all activities were suspended due to the pandemic. The following is taken from its website:
Community Rowing Inc. (CRI) was founded in 1985 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the belief that the sport of rowing provides unique opportunities to promote personal and community growth through teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness.
We are committed to making these opportunities available to all. CRI has become one of the largest rowing programs in the United States, with more than 5,000 people rowing with us annually.
Located on the Charles River, an internationally recognized attraction for rowing and a gem within the Massachusetts park system, CRI was the first public rowing club in Boston and remains one of the largest in the United States. CRI is committed to its mission of enriching the greater community and provides broad-based programs for youth and adults of all skill levels—from novice to elite.
Since its inception, CRI has provided education and training for more than 30,000 people, including:
• Youth (boys and girls) from local high schools
• Individuals with special needs from Perkins School for the Blind and other institutions
• Adults of all levels of ability through recreational and competitive programs
• Olympians and National Team Rowers
• National Champions in Women’s, Men’s, and Girls’ Competitive teams
A reputation for excellence and outstanding accomplishments in the sport has made CRI the place to learn to row in the Boston area and a model for similar programs nationally.
CRI has enjoyed a strong partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation since we were founded.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation is steward of one of the largest state parks systems in the country. Its 450,000 acres is made up of forests, parks, greenways, historic sites and landscapes, seashores, lakes, ponds, reservoirs and watersheds.
The health and happiness of people across Massachusetts depend on the accessibility and quality of our green infrastructure - our natural resources, recreational facilities, and great historic landscapes. CRI in partnership with the DCR continues to strengthen the vital connection between our community and the environment.