Lake Cochituate

Lake Cochituate consists of 3 linked ponds known as North Pond (195 acres), Middle Pond (143 acres), and South Pond (233 acres). A large peninsula in South Pond is the site of the US Army Soldier Systems Center, and the eastern shore holds the trails of Pegan Cove Park. Middle Pond is home to Cochituate State Park, which includes boat ramps and a picnic area. North Pond is the site of Wayland Town Beach. On the edge of the Middle Pond, is the corporate headquarters of Boston Scientific. The three ponds and their connector ponds are together 625 acres and the Lake Cochituate Watershed, part of the Sudbury River Watershed encompasses 17 square miles. This in turn is part of the Concord River and Merrimack River watersheds. The DCR manages the lake. Cochituate State Park is a popular regional day use park featuring water based recreational opportunities including boating, swimming, windsurfing, and fishing on its three large lakes. Picnicking, swimming, and boat launching are limited to the main area of the park on the middle lake and boaters can gain access to the other lakes through channels under roadways. "Friends of Cochituate State Park" is a private, nonprofit organization that works in partnership with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and supports DCR's efforts to improve and operate Cochituate State Park. The Friends encourage responsible public enjoyment of the park. By bringing people together to share interests and activities, the Friends aspire to foster sense of community and stewardship of valuable natural resources. Friends programs include recreation, education, advocacy, and fundraising for park purposes.