Since at least the 1760s, people have been wading/bathing and swimming–cooling off and exercising–in the incomparably beautiful Spectacle Ponds of the Beech Plain in northern Sandisfield. And probably Native Americans did too, long before that.

That cherished tradition is in jeopardy.

For the past six years everything was hunkydory. Individuals and families, especially during summers in the Covid period, came on nice days to picnic and mostly wade at water’s edge. A surprising number of athletically fit individuals regularly come to swim the length of the lower pond.

A few weeks ago, the state’s “Swim at Your Own Risk” sign was replaced with “!DANGER No Swimming.”

Not surprisingly, there was an inevitable and precipitous drop in visitors.

“!DANGER No Swimming” really means “GO AWAY.” So they have. Because I live near the lower pond several Beech Plain neighbors asked me what was going on. I checked with the Town. Administration was not notified. Also, there was no advisory posted on the DCR web site.

I have exchanged productive calls and correspondence with the DCR’s press section to find out what has happened and to see if something can be done. I was referred to the following department policy for undesignated beach sites (2022):

Section 12.06 - Rules of Conduct on DCR Properties – Beaches .(3) No person may swim, bathe, dive or wade from any watercraft, personal watercraft, dock, raft, or pier; nor may any person swim, bathe, dive, or wade from the shoreline of DCR property unless such shoreline is officially designated as a swimming area and such activity occurs during designated swimming hours.

There are 94 DCR designated pools and beaches in Massachusetts including 63 inland fresh water facilities. Three are local: York Lake, Benedict Pond, and Otis Reservoir/Tolland State Forest.

What’s going on?

I was told that Spectacle Pond is not classified as a “designated” beach because water quality is not regularly tested. Therefore, this amazing pond which has been a comfort and the joy to generations of Sandisfielders and others is, all of a sudden, not fit for swimming.

According to the spokesman, DCR’s standard operating policy for its waterfronts was updated in 2022 to be consistent with DCR regulations. We are not sure what that means but its consequence is indefinite prohibition of swimming at non-designated beaches like Spectacle Pond.

Some possible outcomes

1. DCR could make an exception and a new sign like, “Swim At Your Own Risk. Water Quality Unknown”
2. Lower Spectacle Pond could be designated as a DCR beach for swimming with regular water testing, in season, probably done by or for the Sandisfield Board of Health. A new beach a short distance away from the boat launch area might be necessary and there could be boundaries.
3. No change in policy.

But there is hope

At press time came word that the DCR has agreed to reconsider the situation and factors needed to make a determination. Certainly no promises but it is a positive development.

Among the factors are, “available funding, staffing and availabilities and conditions of facilities at the site for visitor and staff use.” Not a small potato in that bunch.

For sure, like all visionary ideas, this one has challenges and no shortage of reasons why it cannot be done.

State already very invested here. Why not a little more?

The state since 2007 has invested significantly in Spectacle Pond Farm, possibly the best of all such jewels in its pouch. But what’s the point if almost nobody comes to experience the place?

In June, The Times reported about the rehabilitation of an historic abattoir that is a short walk from the pond. A top-notch restoration company is currently working on the building. DCR is weighing ideas for public use, possibly as an educational venue.

We think the abattoir could be only one element of interest to attract people to Spectacle Pond Farm and to Sandisfield.

The only original section of the historic Knox Trail could also tie in. It runs nearby from the “nose” between upper and lower ponds through DCR land. The Knox is on tap for a ton of regional publicity and awareness as part of “America 250,” the country’s semiquinncentennial in 2026.

And consider this: New Boston village and the 18th century New Boston Inn is only a few miles away. The village was named in 2022 as a National Register Historic District. Plus, Sandisfield boasts some one-hundred antique houses, Revolutionary War era cemeteries and other interesting assets.

We have a wonderful new and growing system of hiking trails through historic land and unspoiled scenery. Hanging Mountain in New Boston has been discovered and is rated as possibly the best new rock climbing venue in the country. Remember, this town was a serious tourist destination in the 1920s and 1930s. It could be again.

It is too early for a Pond agenda item for discussions by various Sandisfield boards. But for now, let’s think big, fingers crossed and see what happens.

The Times will report on developments.