Waushakum Beach Improvements

Waushakum Beach is one of three City Beaches in South Framingham on Nipmuc Road. It offers recreational amenities such as swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Through a collaborative effort of the City’s Parks & Recreation, Public Works, and Planning & Community Development Departments, we are making strides to improve this space.  See below for each of the upcoming improvement projects!  

FOR UPDATES ON: 

• For beach closures, sign up for beach alerts via the Notify Me system; please click here   FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:   FOR UPDATES ON:     FOR UPDATES ON:   FOR UPDATES ON:   FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:.
• e.coli testing, check out the Health Department website here   For updates on:   fo FOR U FOR UPDATES ON FOR UPDATES ON:   FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:   FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:      FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:   FOR UPDATES ON:     FOR UPDATES ON:   FOR UPDATES ON:   FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:. 
• For Nuisance Aquatic Vegetation Management, including algae/cyanobacteria monitoring, visit the Conservation Department website here   fo FOR U FOR UPDATES ON FOR UPDATES ON:   FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:   FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:      FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:   FOR UPDATES ON:     FOR UPDATES ON:   FOR UPDATES ON:   FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:  FOR UPDATES ON:. 

Waushakum Beach Stormwater Runoff Improvement 

Project Status: Complete 

Project Photos:

This project is one small step in the direction of improving water quality at Lake Waushakum.  While reducing pollutants in stormwater runoff at this location will provide a marked improvement, it does not guarantee beach closures will not occur. City Departments, including the Department of Public Works, Conservation in both Framingham and Ashland, Public Health, and Parks and Rec, are taking a collaborative approach to improving water quality at Lake Waushakum, but we need help from you as well!  For ways the community can help, click here. Version OptionsWaushakum Beach ImprovementsHeadline Waushakum Beach Stormwater Runoff Improvement Project Status: Construction Phase Waushakum Beach Stormwater Runoff Improvement Project Status: Construction Phase Waushakum Beach Stormwater Runoff Improvement Project Status: Construction Phase Waushakum Beach Stormwater Runoff Improvement Project Status: Construction Phase Waushakum Beach Stormwater Runoff Improvement Project Status: Construction Phase Waushakum Beach Stormwater Runoff Improvement Project Status: Construction Phase Waushakum Beach Stormwater Runoff Improvement Project Status: Construction Phase Waushakum Beach Stormwater Runoff Improvement Project Status: Construction Phase Version OptionsWaushakum Beach ImprovementsHeadline Waushakum Beach Stormwater Runoff Improvement Project Status: Construction Phase.

The previous stormwater outfall discharged untreated stormwater at the water’s edge near the bathing area. By shortening the stormwater pipe, this project created a nature-based stormwater treatment system with a vegetated border and sequential high-performance biofiltration areas, improving the quality of water discharged to the lake.  Portions of the former drain pipe were removed, while a short section was abandoned to avoid damaging the roots of the mature oak tree along the shoreline, which has many aesthetic and environmental benefits. As of June 20, 2024, the construction of this project is largely complete, but it was not without challenges. Several modifications were needed during construction to work around high groundwater, the tree’s large root system, and the supply chain availability of materials. 

Footings related to the pedestrian bridge and headwall could not be poured in place as initially planned due to the high groundwater table.  Additionally, the root system of the mature oak tree at the water’s edge would have been compromised by the excavation of these footings.  Quick thinking and problem solving from the contractor, SumCo, provided an alternative solution utilizing pre-cast structures and shifted the layout of the bridge, which protected the tree’s root system, minimized noise pollution to the neighborhood by eliminating the need for generator-powered dewatering, and ultimately resulted in a cost savings for the project. 

The biofiltration system was slightly altered to maximize the efficacy of filter media and prevent portions of it from being regularly submerged in groundwater. The final elevations of surface treatments were also adjusted to limit standing water within the system, which can be a breeding zone for mosquitoes.  

Specialized seed mixes have been placed along the banks of the swale and in between plantings, which will help stabilize the slopes. Watch as our new native plantings and grasses start to populate the site.  Rest assured, the City’s contractor has set up a watering system and will warranty the plants for a year while they take root.   

An accessible pedestrian walkway will provide access to either side of the new stormwater treatment area. The team made some changes to ensure the materials match future park improvements. Temporary fencing will remain in place while the plantings begin to be established until the pedestrian walkway can be installed later this summer.  The fence has been relocated to allow access to the grassy portion of the site. 

This project was made possible through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 319 Nonpoint Source Competitive Grant Program and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) Accelerating Climate Resilience Grant Program. Contributing partners include Public Works, Parks & Rec, the Town of Ashland, Waushakum Pond Association, Friends of Lake Waushakum Beach, Coburnville-Tripoli Neighborhood Association, and Downtown Framingham, Inc. 

This project has been financed with Federal Funds from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (the Department) under an s. 319 competitive grant. The contents do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of EPA or of the Department, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

Public Meeting Calendar

• To learn more about Stormwater, please click here. Version Options Waushakum Beach Improvements Headline                         Version Options Waushakum Beach Improvements Headline.
• For tips on how you can prevent stormwater pollution, please click here Version Options Waushakum Beach Improvements Headline                        . 

Waushakum Beach/Park Improvements Project Status: Conceptual Design Complete 

This project aims to reimagine the park and beach space to create a more inviting atmosphere. It is in the preliminary design phase where information from the community is collected to learn what amenities are desired. The City of Framingham is interested in your feedback! Please email our team at parks.recreation@framinghamma.gov with your comments. 

Click here  Version Options Waushakum Beach Improvements Headlineto access the WAUSHAKUM PARK conceptual planning report.

Waushakum Beach Accessible Dock

This project received funding assistance from the residents of Framingham through the Framingham Community Preservation Act Fund.

The City of Framingham Disability Commission received a CPC Grant for an accessible dock at Waushakum Beach. This dock will provide water access for those with disabilities. Information on all CPA Grants can be found on the City of Framingham CPA webpage. This park enhancement is managed through the City’s Planning & Community Development Department.