The once-maligned Charles River now serves as a playground for outdoor activities in the heart of Boston. Get to know this important waterway by biking along the Esplanade Park with the East Coast Greenway Alliance and REI Co-op, kayaking with Paddle Boston, sculling with Community Rowing, fishing along the river banks, and sailing with Community Boating, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Interviews with the Charles River Watershed Alliance and the Esplanade Park Association shed light on the history of the river and its remarkable restoration—and provide a tantalizing vision of the future.

“Three Cheers for the Charles!” premieres Sunday, August 1, at 9:00AM on NESN.