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The Start Of The Boston Marathon!
Places of
Interest in Hopkinton, Massachusetts:
Town Forest
The Town Forest was
established in 1923. It is a 84 acre parcel of land located
on both sides of Pond Street, between Winter Street and Elm
Street. In 1928, 10,000 small white pine trees were planted
in the area and no care was provided for them to grow; few
still remain there. The forest has very large outcrops of
ledge, which some say they can see imprints of dinosaur
tracks. About 1965, the old cart road through the forest was
opened up by the Hopkinton Boy Scout Troops and the
Hopkinton Key Club. Some use the cart road for horse back
riding, hiking or by snowmobile's.
Town Parks
Aiken's Park
Was acquired in 1968,
it is a 3/4 acre parcel of land located on the north side of
Cordaville Road (Rte 85) at the Southborough line. This is a
small triangular area which the Sudbury River passes through
and is a very popular fishing spot. Also located there is an
old bridge over the river which was abandoned 1933 with the
relocation of the roadway. This bridge has a historic
interest in that it is a Dry Laid Stone Arch construction.
It has been subject to vandalism over the years. Some of the
cap stones are resting in the river. Neither Hopkinton's or
Southborough's Conservation Commission's have had funds to
restore it.
Berry Acres
Was acquired in 1968
from Boston Edison Co. with a 99 year lease of 30 acres
parcel. Located on West Main Street opposite the Ice House
Pond. An access road and parking lot (for six vehicles) was
constructed near the entrance. There exists an old cart road
which passes a pond on the parcel. Several of the foot paths
were cleared and cleaned out by the Boy Scouts in 1994 as
part of an Eagle Project. There is a need for more foot
paths and even a horse trail to be cleared in the future.
College Rock Park
Was acquired in 1962,
it is a 11 acre parcel of land located on College Street.
There is a small parking lot at the entrance. There is a
path, about 1/4 mile long, you can climb to get to the top
of the 70ft. high ledge, known as "College Rock".
From the top you can see a portion of Milford. Many ducks
make their nests around the small peaceful meadow.
Recently, as part of an Eagle
Scout project, scouts cleaned and marked trails and added a
topographical map indicating these trails (for hiking/mtn
biking). Also they added a crag (cliff) map indicating the
different "routes" to rock climb. These maps
are protected by a roof covered bulletin board. They
also installed two park benches and there is an existing
picnic table. Trash barrels are provided.
Terry Park
Was acquired in 1964 from Thomas J. Terry, it is a 13
acre parcel of land located off Saddlehill Road, adjacent to
the Hopkinton State Park. There are no known plans for this
parcel and nothing has been done to it.
Town
Recreation Areas & Parks
Carrigan Park
Is the first site of
our Little League Ball fields. Located behind the old high
school on Main Street. Given to the town by two teachers,
who taught grade school for many years. The land was part of
their father's farm. The remaining land located around the
fields and the houses between Grove, Maple and Pleasant
Streets was a cow pasture until 1930.
EMC Park
Acquired in 1976 by
tax title, it is a 15 acre parcel of land located off Hayden
Rowe Street. At town meeting the land was designated to
Parks & Recreation and Conservation Commissions. There
is a small brook flowing through the west end of the parcel
known as the Charles River. The rest of the parcel has been
developed into ball fields, playgrounds, the Hank Fredette
Skateboard Park, and parking.
Reed Park, Woodville
Was acquired in 1969,
it is a 10 acre parcel of land located between Lake
Whitehall, Piazza Lane and Parker Point Road access. There
are 2 tennis courts
that are fenced in and asphalt surfaced, Little League or
Soccer field, and parking for 25 cars. There is several foot
paths that lead to the shore of Lake Whitehall.
Sandy Island - Town Beach
Is located in the
middle of Lake Maspenock. This is a residents only Town
beach. With foot access from Lake Shore Drive. The
beach is open June through September for swimming during
lifeguard's hours. Parking is by permit only. It also has a
boat launch in the parking lot for residents use. Milford
residents have a launch area at the Milford Dam Area. Power
boats are allowed on the lake. Water skiing, jet skies, and
various other craft are allowed on the lake. But must be
properly registered by the State of Massachusetts.
Massachusetts
State Parks
State Park Headquarters
(Hopkinton, Whitehall, Ashland) Office, 71 Cedar Street
435-4303
Hopkinton State Park, Main
Entrance, (Rte 85) Cordaville Road, Hopkinton
A large park with many facilities such as:
2
swimming areas, Hopkinton Reservoir & swimming pond
Boat launching for sail boats and
canoes (NO Power boats)
Parking for approximately 1,000
vehicles (aprox. 10 sm. parking lots)
Many Barbecue & picnic table
areas
Foot Trails through woods, new
trails being added
Ball Fields, Soccer & Softball
near picnic & lower beach area
Whitehall State Park, Rte.
135, Wood Street, Hopkinton
Lake Whitehall is a fairly shallow lake which makes it an
excellent fishing area. Although small power boats are
allowed, the numerous sunken trees & rocks help keep
speeds down on the lake. There are several boat launches
around the lake. And no beaches to speak of.
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