06/18/2026
Framingham Public Beaches Open TODAY for Summer Season
FRAMINGHAM - The City of Framingham's three public beaches, Waushakum Beach, Learned Pond Beach, and Saxonville Beach, will open for the 2026 summer season on Thursday, June 18.
The City's staffed beach maintenance season will run through August 13, with public access available year-round. Beach hours are dawn to dusk, seven days a week, consistent with other City park properties.
Visitors are invited to enjoy Framingham's public waterfronts throughout the summer. Swimming and waterfront areas will be unguarded this season, as lifeguards will not be on duty. Swimming is at your own risk. Visitors are encouraged to closely supervise children, and follow all posted safety signage.
Due to historically low seasonal applicant numbers and the outcome of the City's beach staffing solicitation process, the City has shifted from its traditional eight-week staffed beach model.
Rather than providing lifeguards and bathhouse staffing, the City will focus on daily maintenance, including beach and shoreline raking, litter and debris removal, restroom servicing, inspections, and general upkeep, said Parks & Recreation.
"While this summer's beach operations will look different than in years past, our commitment to providing clean, safe, and accessible waterfront spaces remains unchanged," said Acting Parks & Recreation Director Alison Eliot. "Although we were unable to secure the staffing needed for traditional beach operations, residents will continue to enjoy well-maintained beaches, water quality monitoring, accessibility improvements, and daily maintenance throughout the season."
Portable restrooms will be available at all three beaches through October 12. Bathhouses will not be open this season.
To improve accessibility, Mobi-Mat® beach access mats donated by the Framingham Disability Commission will be installed at Waushakum Beach and Learned Pond Beach. The City has also developed a new policy to make beach wheelchairs available for public use, expanding opportunities for individuals with mobility challenges to enjoy Framingham's waterfronts. Reservations will be coordinated through the Parks & Recreation Division and may also be available through the Framingham Public Library. The policy is currently undergoing legal review.
The City continues to invest in beach improvements. Earlier this spring, the chain-link fence at Waushakum Beach was replaced with a low wooden fence, fulfilling a commitment made by Mayor Charlie Sisitsky to the Coburnville-Tripoli Neighborhood Association. The project improves visibility, enhances the appearance of the beach, and creates a more welcoming waterfront environment.
"When I met with members of the Coburnville-Tripoli Neighborhood Association, I committed to removing the chain-link fence and creating a more inviting entrance to Waushakum Beach," said Mayor Charlie Sisitsky. "I'm pleased that we were able to follow through on that promise. This improvement reflects our ongoing efforts to enhance public spaces and ensure our beaches remain welcoming destinations for everyone in the community."
Existing beach signage is being reinstalled, and additional multilingual safety and informational signs will be added throughout the season.
Water quality will be closely monitored throughout the summer and fall. In accordance with Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations, weekly E. coli testing will be conducted in designated areas through October 12. Results will help determine whether swimming advisories or closures are necessary.
Beachgoers are reminded that there will be no lifeguards or staff on duty at the beach and swimming is at your own risk.
Visitors should observe all posted signage regarding beach use, parking, and park regulations. The City continues to evaluate ways to accommodate community access while ensuring public safety. Because each beach is configured differently, opening gated areas without dedicated staff is not advisable.
The Parks & Recreation Division will conduct daily maintenance at all three beaches throughout the summer to help keep the sites clean, safe, and welcoming.
For more information, contact the Parks & Recreation Division at [email protected] or 508-532-5960.
Stay Informed
Residents are urged to follow official City communication channels for updates including:
City website at www.framinghamMA.gov
City social media channels including Facebook, X, Instagram, etc
The City’s Sunday newsletter - Sign up here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/bFVxFV3
NotifyMe alert system for text and/or email alerts - Sign up here for Beach Alert and the other City alerts: https://framinghamma.gov/list.aspx
For ADA compliance: graphic features a sandy beach shoreline with gentle ocean waves washing onto the sand. The City of Framingham seal appears in the upper left corner. Large white text reads “Beaches.” Below the title is a bulleted list of Framingham’s public beaches: Learned Pond, Saxonville Beach, and Lake Waushakum. The design uses a calm beach scene as the background with black text centered in the lower half of the image.
