A small lifeguarded swimming beach on a former quarry reservoir in Leeds, renamed in 2019 for the city's longtime parks director. The roped-off swim area and calm water make it a favorite for families with young kids, and it fills up fast on hot summer afternoons.
What to expect
Parking
Onsite lot at the beach entrance free (beach admission charged separately)
Swimming
Water not monitored by DPH
Hours
Open daily 10:30am-6:30pm, weather and staffing permitting; the parking gate locks at 6:30pm
Season
Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; 2026 season opens May 23, 2026
Entry fee
Walk-in admission $4-5 for residents and $6-7 for non-residents; season passes run $50-95 resident and $70-115 non-resident depending on age and pass type
Accessibility
A floating beach wheelchair is available on request per the city's beach flyer
Lifeguard
Certified lifeguards on duty during operating hours; swimming is restricted to when a lifeguard is present
Dogs
No pets allowed anywhere on the beach
Managed by
Northampton Parks & Recreation
413-587-1047 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Onsite lot at the beach entrance
Costfree (beach admission charged separately)Spaceslimited
Overflow lot across Reservoir Road
Costfree
paved lot reached via the marked crosswalk
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
bathhouse near the beach entrance
Common questions
Is David B. Musante Beach in Northampton open today?
open to the public; water quality here is not monitored by MA DPH (updated 2026-08-14). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
No, there is a walk-in charge each visit, cheaper for residents, plus a season pass option if you plan to go more than a few times.
The swim area is roped off and calm, and it's the reason many families with small children pick this beach over a river or lake spot.
Are there restrooms at David B. Musante 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 David B. Musante Beach?
Swim only when a lifeguard is on duty; children under 5 need direct adult supervision, and the beach water is not for drinking. Only Coast Guard-approved life vests are allowed in the water; no floats, noodles, or kickboards, and no diving in shallow water.
Can you swim at David B. Musante Beach?
David B. Musante 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.
Are dogs allowed at David B. Musante Beach?
No pets allowed anywhere on the beach