The White Pond Associates' (WPA) Board of Directors has recently announced their generous gift of 18.14 acres of both beachfront property and the surrounding fields bordering Plainfield and Powder Mill Road to the Town of Concord. This land gift will be subject to a Conservation Restriction for open space and recreation, in keeping with its current use.
This decision comes after the WPA Board spent years exploring how to ensure that the land best serves the community going forward. Over 80 years ago the original WPA Board's motivation was “to preserve White Pond and its shores as a place of historic interest and natural beauty; to provide a suitable place for outdoor recreation in the community; to encourage and promote recreational, educational, scientific and artistic outdoor activities.” WPA Board President Dick Hale said, "We are delighted to make this gift to the Town and we know they will carry on the thoughtful stewardship of this beautiful piece of property, as the WPA Board has for so many years."
The Town is honored to be chosen to continue this legacy. Select Board Chair Tom McKean writes, “This is a wonderful gift to the town and we are mindful of the responsibility to continue the stewardship of the White Pond Associates' Board of Directors for the benefit of Concord citizens.” With the Town of Concord’s stewardship, improvement plans including new restrooms and walkways that meet handicap accessibility requirements and erosion control to help protect the pond will begin to foster inclusive and balanced use of the space and natural surroundings. Several public hearings will be held to review the beach operations and gather citizen input regarding use of the beach, property, and permits.
Alice Kaufman, Select Board Member added, “I cannot begin to express the gratitude I feel in accepting this incredibly generous gift to the Town. I have confidence that we will be able to continue the superb programs and services that the White Pond Associates have provided over the years and to continue the stewardship of the White Pond ecosystem for people, wildlife and flora.”
The Town of Concord is privileged to receive such a wonderful gift and is anticipating many exciting things to come from this natural community resource. The Town’s Open Space Plan ensures that conservation and open space land is handled with the utmost care and is viewed as an opportunity to better serve our community.
To view the press release, please visit our Press Release section, or click here.