Christian A. Herter Park, located along the riverbank in Brighton, is the largest section of open park in the Charles River Basin. The park is named in honor of Christian Herter, a former Massachusetts governor, United States secretary of state, and champion of the environment. With a community garden, playground, spray fountain, large open lawn that draws volleyball and badminton players, and a rental kiosk operated by Charles River Canoe & Kayak, this area of the park has something for everyone. The Conservancy Volunteers program works actively with the Friends of Herter Park to restore the historic Herter Park Theatre for public programming.

This serene, verdant community garden at the edge of the city, is ideal for long, contemplative walks between the trees or a picnic. You can rent a canoe and go paddling in the calm waters of the Charles River. Serious volleyball and basketball can be played at the many playgrounds here, and there is also an amphitheater on-premises, which hosts concerts, shows, and community events from time to time.