A small sand beach on Ashfield Lake inside Belding Memorial Park, on Route 116 near the town center. The town has kept it open to the public rather than resident-only, after a 2022 debate over restricting access.
What to expect
Parking
Belding Memorial Park lot free
Swimming
Water not monitored by DPH
Season
Park and lake accessible year-round; lifeguard coverage and swim season are summer-only (specific start/end dates not posted online)
Accessibility
A beach wheelchair ("MobiChair") is referenced on the Park Commission page as available, protocol/checkout process not detailed online
Dogs
Dogs must be leashed within Belding Memorial Park at all times; only service dogs are allowed on the beach itself. This is the park's own posted rule, stricter than the townwide leash bylaw.
Kayak/Canoe/Sup
Allowed ice-out through fall
Fishing
Allowed year-round per state freshwater fishing rules; lake is stocked with tagged trout
Managed by
Ashfield Park Commission
413-628-4441 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Belding Memorial Park lot
Costfree
Single shared lot for the whole park (beach, boat launch, picnic area)
Access points along this beach
Main Street/Route 116 entrance
Single vehicle entrance into the park
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
At the beach/park building
Dock
Swimming dock used for diving/jumping
Common questions
Is Ashfield Town Beach in Ashfield open today?
open to the public; water quality here is not monitored by MA DPH (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Can I bring my dog to the beach?
Only service dogs are allowed on the sand and in the water. Leashed pet dogs are fine elsewhere in Belding Memorial Park.
Are there restrooms at Ashfield Town Beach?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What rules should I know at Ashfield Town Beach?
Boat operators born on or after January 1, 1989 need a Massachusetts safety certificate to operate a motorboat. Smoking, vaping, alcohol, and glass containers prohibited within the park. Non-service dogs not allowed on the beach itself (leashed dogs allowed elsewhere in the park).
Can you swim at Ashfield Town Beach?
Ashfield Town Beach is town-owned and its water is not monitored by MA DPH, so there is no official swim status. Check conditions posted at the beach.