What do Matt Damon, Mary J. Blige, and Bedford’s Springs Brook Park have in common?
They all look ahhhhhmazing for 53-ish years old, they are all working through some new things this summer, and they can all bring people joy, excitement, comfort, and good times.
Springs Brook Park is a town-run family-friendly swimming and recreation facility surrounded by trees at 171 Springs Road open from mid-June through August. The most prominent feature in the park is a manmade swimming pond. The filtered and chlorinated swimming area covers nearly an acre with beach-entry and dock access, lap lanes, and spray features surrounded by a sandy beach. The facility also includes mini golf, basketball, volleyball, tetherball, badminton, cornhole, gaga ball, a playground, a splash pad/spray park, a grassy picnic area with tables and grills, a bathhouse with showers, and a concession stand.
Even with that long list of amenities, Springs Brook Park Director Mary Gallant feels one of the best things Springs Brook Park offers is “community.” The director, a lifelong Bedford resident, said “I grew up here at the pond, making memories, swimming, making friends. I hope and dream that people can come here and create a similar experience – swimming, playing games, meeting people, sitting in the shade and reading, hanging out, and having fun.”
Gallant isn’t just hopes and dreams. An elementary school teacher during the year and now in her third year as director, Gallant puts a lot of work and energy into Springs Brook Park year-round, with the help and support of Assistant Director Catherine Wennerstrom, the staff in the Bedford Recreation Department, and other town departments.
Gallant complimented “the hard work” and “fabulous job” of the Bedford DPW in preparing Springs Brook Park for this season by landscaping, updating paint, preparing the grounds, laying down new sand, and getting the pump house and spray park running.
Everything was ready in time for “a very busy” opening day, which landed during the heat wave two weeks ago.
One of the off-season efforts of the Springs Brook Park staff this year included the successful hiring of 23 certified lifeguards (over half returning from last year), and a couple of dozen crew members. Gallant commented that it was a tough decision narrowing down the crew from the 60 highly qualified applicants this year.
Moison Ace Hardware in the Bedford Shopping Center generously donated 12 Adirondack chairs to the park, which are highly appreciated by the staff and guests and Gallant said have been “used all the time.”
Responding to public feedback, the facility continues to expand hours and entry options as well. This year there are more weekend hours – the park is open Wednesday through Sunday, with extended hours on Friday evenings. Gallant said Friday evenings are a great time to bring a picnic or use the grills and have “dinner at the beach.”
There are also a limited number of non-resident day passes available each day (passes can be reserved online prior to 9 a.m. on the day of entry).
Public swimming lessons for all levels are back – running Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 1:40 p.m. from July 10 through August 1; sign up at the park. (Springs Brook Park staff also provides swim lessons and recreational swimming Tuesdays through Fridays for the Bedford Recreation Summer Adventures camp.)
Concession stand offerings continue to be expanded with packaged treats like slush, ice cream, drinks, and chips.
And there will be lots of new staff-run activities this year – some old traditions with new twists, and some brand new. The first one big celebration is the annual 4th of July party. Gallant and Wennerstrom have a long list of fun planned for the day including firework art/painting, free watermelon, relay races, water balloon toss, and more treats throughout the day. There will also be a street corn fundraiser set up at the park with proceeds going to the BHS boys’ and girls’ soccer teams.
The very popular Mermaid Day will be back on July 10 with some new exciting surprises. The calendar is filling up with activities and theme days like sandcastle contests, a s’mores night, and music night. The Recreation Department webpage and Facebook page will be updated with details as offerings come up.
To join in the fun, residents can purchase an individual or family membership online (with discounted membership options for older adults and JGMS/BHS students). And check out the online Springs Brook Park brochure for hours, amenities, guest policy, daily passes and contact information.
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