Fort Meadow Reservoir

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Fort Meadow Reservoir

Town(s): Hudson MA, Marlborough MA
County: Middlesex
Local Name: Fort Meadow Lake

Size: 260 acres
Average Depth: 9 feet
Maximum Depth: 30 feet

Boating Allowed: Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Electric Motor Boats, Power Boats, Jet-skis, State & Local Rules & Regulations Apply
Boating Comments: Motor boats are allowed, just not at the Grove. Rules: http://ecode360.com/9211250#./9211250?&_suid=138045762110306365181457877851
Swimming: Swimming Allowed, Some Restrictions

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Fort Meadow Reservoir is a 260-acre lake in between the town of Hudson and city of Marlborough. At its widest point, the lake measures roughly 2,300 ft. From end to end, it measures 1.54 miles long.

The Fort Meadow Association is a neighborhood association that has been around for over 50 years.  They own and manage 2 beach lots allowing non-waterfront residents access to the lake for swimming, soaking in the sun, and launching Kayaks and other small non-motorized watercraft.  There is a clubhouse, complete with large entertaining room, and kitchen available for rental for parties and activities.  Additionally, the association has hosted various events throughout the years, from Ice Cream Socials, and games to dances. Association membership is an annual fee of $40.

Two public beaches are located on the secondary basin. Centennial Beach lies on the Hudson side while Memorial Beach lies on the Marlborough side. 

Marlborough’s World War II Memorial Beach spans 13 acres and is located on the east side of the city, off of Hosmer Street. The beach, which is open for swimming daily from June to September, is supervised by lifeguards on duty and features both sandy and grassy areas with large trees for shade. Changing rooms, restrooms, picnic benches, BBQ areas and free parking are available. Memorial beach has just been renovated and improved with a playground, basketball court, larger parking lot and snack bar. No Boat Drop Off is allowed at Memorial Beach.

In the mid 1960’s, the Town of Hudson MA, through its Park Commission developed the property currently known as Centennial Beach for use as a Park, Beach and Recreation Purposes. Over the last fifty years the site has been home to the local Town Beach serving both residents and non-residents during the summer months. Site amenities over the years have included: playground, swings, picnic tables, outdoor showers, docks, designated bathing and fishing areas. Facility programs have revolved around a robust swim program servicing approximately 300 participants each summer. The site currently consists of a 350 shoreline, a 0.8 acre sandy beach area and a 0.6 acre shaded picnic area, bathhouse and parking area.

Motorized boating is allowed, making it a popular local destination for recreation.

Boat ramps:

1. Fort Meadow Res. Fletcher Hixson Boat Ramp. Boat Launch: The boat ramp is for Hudson and Marlborough residents only.  All boats must be washed before launching.  It is open only Thursday through Saturday in season. Nearest Launch Address: 9 Reservoir Street, Marlborough, MA 01752.

2. Fort Meadow Reservoir Centenial Beach. Boat Launch: Park in the Large Beach Parking Lot. Carry your car top boat to the edge of the swimming area and launch. Nearest Launch Address: 89 Fort Meadow Drive, Hudson, MA 01749.
 
3. Fort Meadow Res. West Basin Car Top Launch. Boat Launch: Enter the parking lot at "The Grove" sign and park. Parking for about 8 vehicles. Carry your car top boat down to the stone steps and launch into the West Basin. Nearest Launch Address: 498 Bolton Street, Hudson, MA 01749.
 
The Grove (see map photo)
 
About 30 lots are leased by a trust so the owner can control the land. It's called The Grove Conservation Land. This parcel has a combination of wooded area, water access to Ft. Meadow Reservoir and an open field. You can go for a stroll through the walking trails and sit on a bench to listen to the sounds around you. Take the family for a picnic by the water; the field is a great place for a game of catch or just relaxing and enjoying your surroundings. If you like to fish or canoe, there are plenty of places to sit and fish next to the water and a canoe access to enjoy the conservation land from a different perspective. The Grove is full of wildlife. Swimming at the Grove is NOT permitted because the water is not tested here and the lake bottom is not cleaned or monitored. You cannot get to the Grove basin from the main lake by water because it is divided by a road (causeway). 

 

Water Quality: No Known Issues
Vegetation Growth: Minimal
Non-native Species: Unknown

Fish Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Channel Catfish, Sunfish, Bridle Shiner

Boat Access: Primarily Car-top boats & Canoes
Parking Spaces: Less than 10

Directions: Coming from the end of I-290 in Hudson, take a right off of the 290 ramp at the
Shoreline Development: Unknown