Natick Charles River Dam drawdown under way, in-water work set for July 16
Thursday, July 2 — The controlled drawdown of the Charles River Dam impoundment began this week, and the town announced that in-water construction work is scheduled to start July 16. Residents passing the Charles River may notice exposed rocks and mud where water normally flows; the town has posted additional updates and video at natickma.gov. WCVB also covered the story, reporting on the unusual sight the lowered river presents to passersby: "Charles River in Natick lowered for dam removal project" (per WCVB: https://www.wcvb.com/article/natick-charles-river-dam-removal-drawdown/71811469).
Thursday, July 2 — MassDOT issued an updated notice on the Routes 27/9 interchange improvement project in Natick. Residents can find the latest construction details on the town's website at natickma.gov.
Thursday, July 2 — The town posted next week's roadway improvement schedule, covering the week of July 6. Specific streets and work windows are listed at natickma.gov.
Thursday, July 2 — The MetroWest Daily News reports on a notable commercial real estate transaction on the Route 9 corridor: "Who bought the former Party City property on Route 9 in Natick MA?" The property sold for more than $7 million, per MetroWest Daily News. (https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/business/real-estate/2026/07/02/former-party-city-building-route-9-natick-ma-sold-more-than-7-million-dollars/90769108007/)
Friday, July 3, 12:00–6:00 PM — A cooling center will be open at the First Congregational Church of Natick on both Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, from noon to 6 p.m., in a service collaboration with the town. Residents seeking relief from the heat are welcome to drop in. Details at natickma.gov.
Saturday, July 4, Town Common — Natick will celebrate the nation's 250th birthday with a community picnic on the Town Common. The event features music, games, and a kids' parade with decorated wagons, bikes, strollers, and wheelchairs. The cooling center at First Congregational Church will also be open noon to 6 p.m. that day.
Monday, July 6 — Roadway improvement crews are scheduled to return to work across town beginning July 6; the full street-by-street schedule is posted at natickma.gov.
Thursday, July 16 — In-water construction at the Charles River Dam is set to begin, following the ongoing controlled drawdown of the impoundment that started this week.