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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 6 barbecues located in a pine grove, 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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