Dam drawdown complete as in-water construction begins on Charles River project
Wildfire smoke drifting down from Canadian and Midwest fires triggered an air quality alert for sensitive groups, while contractors began in-water work on the Charles River Dam project after completing a full drawdown of the impoundment.
TOWN HALL
The town issued an air quality alert on July 16 urging sensitive groups to limit outdoor activity as wildfire smoke pushed hazy conditions into the region, according to a town News Flash notice.
Separately, the town's Charles River Dam construction update confirmed that the impoundment drawdown is complete and in-water work is now underway as of July 16. Crews are installing a temporary access road behind the spillway, and the town noted additional park closures may follow as work progresses.
The town also announced that Natick Nights: Soccer, previously scheduled, has been rescheduled to Thursday, July 23, from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring music, food and soccer-themed activities for neighbors.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The rescheduled Natick Nights: Soccer event, set for July 23 from 5 to 8 p.m., was also picked up by Natick Report, a story the town's News Flash also covered today.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Natick man guilty of selling technology to Iran, used in fatal attack" — A Natick man was convicted of illegally exporting U.S. technology to Iran that was later used in a fatal drone attack, according to Wicked Local and MetroWest Daily News reporting by Norman Miller (read it at https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/news/courts/2026/07/15/natick-ma-man-guilty-of-selling-technology-to-iran-used-in-fatal-drone-attack-jordan/90916027007/).
"Breathing Wildfire Smoke In MA Equal To Smoking 9 Cigarettes: Doctor" — A doctor quoted in the report compared regional smoke exposure to cigarette smoking as hazy skies persisted before clearing Friday, per Natick Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/natick).
"Patch AM: Natick police probe racist, anti-Semitic graffiti after two disturbing incidents" — Natick Patch reports police are investigating hate-related graffiti incidents and are seeking tips from residents with information (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/natick).
"Patch AM: How should Natick reuse the former Johnson School? Officials want ideas" — Town officials are soliciting public input on potential future uses for the former Johnson School property, according to Natick Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/natick).
"Fall Registration Now Open: Walnut Hill Community Theater Academy" — Walnut Hill School for the Arts opened fall registration for its Community Theater Academy program, with limited spots available, Natick Patch reports (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/natick).
COMING UP
Natick Nights: Soccer is set for Thursday, July 23, from 5 to 8 p.m., per the town's News Flash announcement.
A yard/garage sale is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, from 8 a.m. to noon, and a Summer Open House at Tobin Schools Natick is also planned for July 18, according to the Natick Patch community calendar.
The Pay It Forward Card Show is scheduled for July 19, and fall course registration opens July 20 at www.LLAIC.org, per the Patch calendar.