Town of Athol, Massachusetts: Parks and Recreation

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Parks and Recreation

100 Main Street, Athol, MA 01331-2222
Telephone (978) 248-9491

Offers education and training to area citizens to enhance their appreciation for, connection with, and stewardship of the rich natural resources of the region. Also serves as the home of the Athol Bird & Nature Club. Web site: http://www.millersriver.net/

New England Equestrian Center of Athol(NEECA)
Sherborne Road, Athol MA 01331
Telephone (978) 544-9444

This center provides equestrians with a place where they can come with their horse(s) to participate in the activity of their choice, whether it be trail riding, showing, or participating in clinics, etc. Web site: http://www.equinecenter.org.

Fish Park

Located along Maple Street, this 5.2 acre park includes a basketball court, completely fenced regulation double tennis court, ball field, play area with swings, sandbox and fixed rides for small children, and gazebo. The gazebo hosts "Tool Town Live" concerts in August and September. It is located near the Environmental Center and Alan E. Rich Environmental Park

Silver Lake

At nearly 15 acres, Silver Lake Park offers a large variety of recreational activities, consisting of a large beach and picnic area. This spring-fed lake is stocked with trout several times throughout the year by the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Wildlife and is great entertainment for the patient sportsman. On the upper side of the park are three regulation ball fields open to the public. The park is also home of the Skateboard Park.

Lake Ellis

Lake Ellis, located in the uptown area along Lake Ellis Road, provides summertime fun at the beach with plenty of room to picnic. The lake provides recreational boating (no wakes please) and fishing in both summer and winter. The fish most likely to be caught are bass, pickerel, bluegills and hornpout. On occasion, one might catch a trout stocked by the local Quabbin Anglers Organization for their annual ice fishing derby.

Alan E. Rich Environmental Park

This park is located on Main Street near the Environmental Center. It provides cartop canoe, kayak and small boat access to the Millers River and adds 14 acres of trails through Cass Meadow. Cass Meadow is known for its wildlife, and the trails are set up to provide excellent viewing of birds, butterflies and dragonflies. The park was developed thanks to a grant from the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs.

Bearsden Conservation Area

Located at the end of Bearsden Road, this property offers ten miles of hiking trails crisscrossing one thousand acres of forest. A strenuous climb takes visitors to Round Top and to Warren's Vista, where panoramic views of the surrounding hills can be appreciated. A log cabin is available for overnight use.