City of Framingham Beaches

September 2, 2020 Health Advisory - The Framingham Public Health Department is cautioning the public that the water in the North Pond section of Lake Cochituate, including Saxonville Beach, is unsafe for people and pets due to cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) bloom. Official City of Framingham Alert can be found HERE.

August 13, 2020 - Another successful beach season has come to a close. At the beginning of the summer, we were faced with a significantly reduced budget and a number of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was unclear whether it would be even possible to open one, no less all three, beaches. With creative financing, and a flexible staff, we were able to work within our means to make a beach season a reality.

THANK YOU to our Lifeguard & Bath House Staff! You kept our beaches safe while working with the public and completing additional training as well as adhering to new guidelines & regulations because of the COVID Pandemic. This was no easy task! Thank you for making it look easy!

2020 COVID Beach Staff

Framingham Beaches Open July 1 - August 9, 2020

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There are 3 City-owned beaches open to the public for a small fee.  Beaches are staffed seasonally with Certified Lifeguards and Bath House Attendants.  The beaches are typically open to the public from late-June to mid-August every year. City of Framingham beaches include:

  • Learned Pond; located on Shawmut Terrace
  • Saxonville Beach; located on Lake Road
  • Waushakum Pond; located on Nipmuc Terrace

Water Quality Testing: Prior to the opening of any of the city's beaches, Parks & Recreation conducts a weekly inspection of the beaches for sanitary and safety conditions as required by state regulations. This process includes testing the beach water for bacteria (E. coli). State regulation also requires the beach operator (in this case the Parks & Recreation Department) to post a sign at the beach to alert the public when a high bacteria count is collected. Bacterial load at different points of the pond/lake varies quite a bit. A high bacterial count in the water collected at the beach does not mean the rest of the water body will have high bacterial counts, and vice versa. The state regulation only requires public posting and closure at the beach, since only the beach water was tested.

For more info on beach regulation, please visit the Framingham Health Department Page, CLICK HERE

For Framingham Beach Water Lab Results CLICK HERE

For more information on Framingham Beaches please visit FraminghamRec.com.

Special notice: With reductions in part time and seasonal staff, Park amenities will be slow to reopen. Specifically, we anticipate a delay in installation of rims/backboards, and swings at playgrounds. In addition, infields will be slow to reopen as a result in reduced staff continue to slow down our Department’s ability to reopen and perform routine maintenance. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

For updates on re-opening of Framingham Parks & Recreation facilities, including beaches, please visit our COVID19 Update page.