Published: 5/22/2018 3:52:07 PM
Now that the kids are learning to swim, here are some places to take them to use their new skills this summer.
David B. Musante Beach
Musante Beach, a family-friendly swimming area at 85 Reservoir Road, Leeds, is attended by a lifeguard at all times. It opens for the season, initially only on weekends, from May 26 through June 17. Beginning on June 23, the beach is open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., weather and staff permitting.
Membership information is available from Northampton’s Parks and Recreation Department by phone at 413-587-1040, and online at www.northamptonma.gov/recreation.
D.A.R. State Forest
The lake at D.A.R. State Forest is attended by a lifeguard during the busy times of the day. The park, at 78 Cape St. in Goshen, also offers camping, fishing and hiking.
It’s open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, including admission fees, visit www.mass.gov/locations/daughters-of-the-american-revolution-dar-state-forest.
Belchertown Town Beach
Belchertown’s town swimming area, which is staffed by trained lifeguards, can be found off Route 9 and Federal Street on Town Beach Road. Residents and non-residents are welcome. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult. Inflatable flotation devices are note allowed.
The beach is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from June through the end of August. More information, including admission fees, can be found at www.belchertown.org/government/recreation/beach.php.
Puffer’s Pond
While mostly unattended by sanctioned lifeguards, Puffer’s Pond, a popular swimming area about three miles from Amherst’s town center, is regulated by volunteers. It’s accessible via a parking area off State Street, which fills up quickly during peak season and closes at dusk.
Extensive hiking trails traverse around the lake. For more on Puffer’s Pond visit www.amherstma.gov/1316/Puffers-Pond.
Tri-Town Beach
Tri-Town Beach, which is attended by a lifeguard and maintained through a collaboration of Deerfield, Whately, and Sunderland, is a man-made beach at 20 Old State Road in Whately. Yearly passes are available to residents from the three towns for around $35. It is open from June through August, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.
Green River Swimming and Recreation Park
About 30 minutes up Interstate 91 from Northampton, Greenfield’s swimming area on the Green River, accessible via a parking area off Nash’s Mill Road, has a sloped beach and is attended by lifeguards. The beach, which has an admission fee, is open from June through September from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with special hours on holidays. More can be found at www.greenfieldrecreation.com/greenriver.html.
— Andy Castillo