Senator Brownsberger sent the following letter to DCR Comissioner Jack Murray regarding open water swimming at Walden Pond:
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Attn: Commissioner Jack Murray
251 Causeway Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114-2104June 18, 2014
Dear Commissioner Murray,
I am writing to urge you to preserve open water swimming access at Walden Pond State Reservation. Ongoing consideration by the Department of Conservation and Recreation of eliminating or severely restricting open water swimming would limit safe open water swimming options for swimmers and triathletes in the region.
I understand that the current DCR policy, which bans swimming outside of the designated areas, is not enforced. I hope that any changes to the enforcement of this policy would be subject to an appropriate public process. I would be happy to work with DCR and open water swimmers to start a dialogue around the future of this important shared resource if you think it would be helpful.
Additionally, I have received complaints that DCR has changed the early morning parking policy, maintaining access for some users but not others. I hope that DCR will preserve early morning access for all users until a public conversation about the future of this resource occurs.
I appreciate your consideration and look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
William N. Brownsberger
STATE SENATOR
You can view a copy of the original here.
Andrew Bettinelli
Legislative Aide
Office of State Senator William N. Brownsberger