The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has selected Everett-based Night Shift Brewing to operate two seasonal beer gardens in 2018 in DCR parks.
The sites, which are part of the DCR’s Charles River Reservation and overlook the Charles River, are located at the Christian A. Herter Park on Soldiers Field Road (across from Harvard Stadium Gate 14) in Brighton, and the Charles River Esplanade at the Storrow Memorial Embankment Park (at Fiedler Field). After a competitive process the DCR and Night Shift have finalized a license to allow the company to operate the beer gardens as a pilot.
“The Department of Conservation and Recreation continues to explore unique opportunities that provide the public with exceptional experiences within the state parks system,” said DCR Commissioner Leo Roy. “We are excited to be working with Night Shift Brewing, where two beer gardens will be strategically located along the iconic Charles River, providing a picturesque landscape that will be truly enjoyed by so many.”
“We couldn’t be more excited to launch two beer gardens along the Charles this summer,” says Michael Oxton, co-founder of Night Shift Brewing. “Our goal is to create engaging, family-friendly, outdoor spaces for the local public to enjoy.”
The Esplanade location will operate starting in late July and end in late October on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 10 p.m. (last call is at 9:30 p.m.), Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m. (last call at 9:30 p.m.), and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m. (last call at 7:30 p.m.
The Herter Park location will operate starting in early August and end in late October on Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m. (last call is at 9:30 p.m.) and on Sundays from noon to 8 p.m. (last call is at 7:30 p.m.)
The beer gardens will be within self-contained areas separated from the park. Night Shift Brewing will provide wristbands or stamps for customers of legal age prior to the sale of alcohol, and will arrange for a food truck to be present at each location. Additionally, accessible portable restrooms will be available on site.
“Herter Park is a magnificent open space to bring this type of opportunity to life,” said State Rep. Michael Moran (D-Boston). “I think it will bring a lot more people down to the Charles River, one of the jewels in our state park system.”
Prior to operating the beer gardens, Night Shift Brewing will have to ensure compliance with the regulations of the City of Boston on behalf of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) for alcohol service to the public. Furthermore, the Esplanade location resulted from a unique partnership between Night Shift and the non-profit Esplanade Association, which works with the DCR to enhance the Charles River Esplanade.
“We are delighted to partner with Night Shift to produce a one-of-a-kind beer garden on the Esplanade,” said Michael J. Nichols, executive director of the Esplanade Association. “We share DCR’s vision for enhanced concession offerings on the Esplanade and believe there will be no better place to gather in Boston this summer than along the Charles River at sunset enjoying one of Night Shift’s high-quality offerings.”
Every year, millions of visitors descend along the Charles River Reservation to enjoy the popular state parkland and waterbody. Residents and visitors are able to capitalize on exceptional recreational opportunities, such as running, hiking, biking, boating, inline skating, and cross-country skiing, as well as structured sports, including baseball, softball, basketball, tennis, football and many other activities.
For more information regarding the DCR’s Charles River Reservation, visit the park’s web page at https://www.mass.gov/locations/charles-river-reservation.