Fresh Pond Park, 220 Bartlett Rd, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA
https://www.plymouth-ma.gov/marine-and-environmental-affairs/pages/beach-information
Owned By: Town of Plymouth
Large pond in woodland setting in Manomet with a public beach, seasonal lifeguards, and a launch area for non-motorized boats. Also features a small playground area and some short forest trails.
Features
This land is within the region of the Wampanoag tribe. There is a burial site on the western shore of the pond.
The park features a bathhouse (restrooms), which is open seasonally from 8:30am to 4:45pm. Lifeguards and parking attendants are on site on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, in season.
Trail Description
Short trails lead uphill into the woods and to various points on Bartlett Road.
Habitats and Wildlife
Fresh Pond is a 62-acre natural kettle hole pond with an average depth of 10 feet (30 feet maximum). It is fed by groundwater, as well as a small inlet from Warner Pond. It has an outlet to cranberry bogs and to Beaver Dam Brook.
Beaver Dam Brook originates in the Manomet section of Plymouth, flows through the Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary, and empties into the Atlantic near White Horse Beach. It is part of the Cape Cod Bay watershed.
According to Mass Wildlife, the following fish have been observed in Fresh Pond: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch, black crappie, pumpkin seed, bluegill, brown bullhead, American eel, and banded killifish. Each spring, the pond is stocked with rainbow, brook, or brown trout.
The park itself is grassy, with a sandy beach. It also includes some forest, with pitch pine, oak, and white pine.
Historic Site: No
Park: Yes
Beach: Yes
Boat Launch: Yes
Lifeguards: Seasonal lifeguards on Fri/Sat/Sun.
Size: 13 acres
Hours: 9am to 5pm
Parking: Limited on-site parking.
Cost: Free with Plymouth Beach sticker, or $20/day in season
Trail Difficulty: Medium
Facilities:
Seasonal restrooms, trash receptacles, small playground, picnic tables, undeveloped launch area suitable for non-motorized boats such as canoes and kayaks.
Dogs: Dogs must be on a 6ft leash (or less) and under control at all times. Scoop the poop!
Boat Ramp: No
ADA Access: Yes
Scenic Views: Yes
Waterbody/Watershed: Beaver Dam Brook (Cape Cod Bay watershed)