Bathhouse Relocation and Reconstruction
The existing two-story bathhouse was built in 1947 and is not ADA-compliant. The existing bathhouse will be demolished and replaced with a new single-story, 2,700 square-foot building that will be universally accessible. The new bathhouse matches the architectural style and materials of the award-winning Walden Pond Visitor Center that was opened in 2016. It will feature men’s and women’s bathrooms with changing areas and toilets, three family restrooms, a lifeguard breakroom facility, and a first aid station.
The new structure will feature a green roof to reduce stormwater impacts and will use wood harvested on the site for interior finishes. Construction will also include a new resurfaced plaza, a ramp to connect the plaza to the beach, retaining walls, and stairs.
The project began in winter 2025 with South Coast Improvement Company of Marion. After close consultation and collaboration with South Coast Improvement Company, DCR has determined it cannot safely open the Main Beach to visitors for the 2025 summer season, while construction for the new bathhouse is ongoing. Red Cross Beach will remain open for the season, as an unguarded designated swimming area. Additionally, DCR will have limited parking available at the Walden Pond State Reservation due to the ongoing construction. DCR has posted multilingual signage informing visitors about the construction and the related beach closure.
Alternative locations for swimming include:
- Ashland State Park,
- Cochituate State Park in Natick,
- Hopkinton State Park,
- Charles E. Shannon Jr. Memorial Beach in Winchester,
- Raymond Lord Pool in Lowell,
- Connors Memorial Pool in Waltham,
- Clarence W. Dealtry Memorial Pool in Watertown, and
- Francis J. McCrehan Memorial Pool, Cambridge
- Raymond Lord Memorial Pool, Lowell
Construction on the new bathhouse is expected to be completed in Fall 2025.
Boardwalk Construction
Following the bathhouse reconstruction project, DCR will construct an ADA-compliant boardwalk to connect the Route 126 crosswalk with the Main Beach. The boardwalk will include a new landing at the crosswalk and an overlook for interpretive programs. Additionally, a new dedicated access for emergency vehicles will be provided from the boat ramp driveway.
Main Beach Accessibility Improvements Site Plan
Project Team
DCR Contact:
Nathaniel Tipton, Project Manager nathaniel.tipton@mass.gov
Design Consultants:
Architect, Bathhouse: Maryann Thompson Architects (Watertown)
Landscape Architecture: Ray Dunetz Landscape Architects (Jamaica Plain)
Civil Engineering: Nitsch Engineering (Boston)
Environmental Engineering & Permitting: BSC Group (Boston)
General Contractor:
South Coast Improvement Company (Marion)
Public Meeting Materials
January 30, 2019: Meeting Notice | Presentation
November 19, 2019: Meeting Notice | Presentation
November 18, 2024: Meeting Notice | Presentation