The Beach, the Beach, the Beach is Back: Swimming in the Neighborhood

Years ago, there were plenty of places to take a dip. Not so much anymore. But there are still some public places to jump in to cool off—right nearby.

Gone are the days where kids run down to the "local swimming hole" to cool off, at least legally. There are fewer public beaches and pools in the area, and it's pretty easy to pick up a pool setup for your yard at any department store (heck, CVS even has decent sized blow-up pools for less than $50. They're on display next to the magazines and paper towels). Still, there are some public and options in the area for those seeking out some water to jump into on a hot day. Framingham Where to jump in: Learned Pond, Lower Shawmut Terr. (off Prindiville Ave.); Saxonville Beach, Lake Road (off Old Conn Path; and Waushakum Lake, 54 Nipmuc Rd. (off Route 126 near the Ashland town line) Season: June 21 to Aug. 16 Cost: $40 beach pass per family, $15…

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Alexandra Macfarlane

3:11 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012

A note to Natick residents, someone mentioned to one of our editors that Dug Pond is also a place for swimming in the area. According to the Massachusetts government website, Memorial Beach is the designated summer swim spot of Dug Pond and can be reached at the address listed above.   more ›

And the Splash Pad is Open!

Bring a towel and jump around.

The fire hydrants are not broken at Assabet Park. If you've noticed kids hopping around madly in sprays and whirls of water, that's because the popular Splash Pad is now officially open. Located in Assabet Park and maintained by the Northborough Recreation Department, the Splash Pad is one of the most popular spots in town for toddlers and preschoolers.  Roughly the same dimensions as a basketball court, it offers several different water features such as bubblers, misters and geysers to delight babies to preschool-aged kids. As it is on an asphalt surface, the Rec. Department recommends water shoes to protect sensitive toes.  Bring your beach chair and a picnic lunch and enjoy the day while your little ones run and play in the water!  The …

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Charlene Arsenault

9:17 pm on Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Ouch. I know. Well, be sure to send us the video here at Patch.   more ›

Raising Northborough

Does Your Child Take Swimming Lessons?

This week's Raising Northborough asks you to weigh in on the subject of swimming lessons for kids.

It's Wednesday, and that means Northborough Patch is inviting you to join the conversation. Help your circle of friends. Help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in Northborough. And it's easy - just start talking, right here. Each week, our Moms Council of experts and smart moms (and dads) take your questions, give advice and share solutions. We'd love for you, too, to submit a question. If you have ideas, send them to charlene.arsenault@patch.com. If we pick yours, we'll send you a Patch magnet. So settle in, or should we say dive in, as we start the conversation today with a question from Debra McDuffee. McDuffee asks, "Do you sign your kids up for swimming lessons or let them learn on their own? Why?"

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