Walden’s Main Beach to reopen with lifeguards after 2025 closure
Boardwalk construction could take another year after crews finish the bathhouse, per initial state estimates.
It might not feel like swimming weather, but it’s time for would-be Walden Pond lifeguards to dust off their applications.
Planners expect to reopen Walden’s Main Beach this summer after construction forced its closure a year ago, a Department of Conservation and Recreation spokesperson told The Acton Bridge.
DCR plans to staff Walden with lifeguards and other safety workers.
Walden’s old bathhouse dated to 1947. Crews are replacing the building with a fully accessible two-story structure.
The full project aims to address erosion and pollution. A second phase will include new boardwalks near the pond.
Walden’s Red Cross Beach stayed open last summer but went unguarded, in part, because DCR said it couldn’t bring adequate equipment to that area.
Construction was to finish by last fall. The timeline slipped to this spring due to logistical factors, the DCR spokesperson said.
He wouldn’t elaborate on the record about those logistical snags.
Boardwalk construction could take another year after crews finish the bathhouse, per initial state estimates.
Officials kicked off 2026 lifeguard recruiting for DCR’s 81 swimming areas, including Walden, last month, promising hourly rates up to $27 and sign-on or retention bonuses up to $1,000.
DCR plans to open swimming spots for the season on Memorial Day weekend. Daily lifeguard coverage starts in mid-June. For more information about Walden lifeguard jobs, visit mass.gov/lifeguard.
