A 72-acre pond bordering the former Fort Devens on its south shore and Pirone Park on its north shore, open for boating but with swimming and fishing discouraged because of heavy-metal contamination in the sediment.
What to expect
Dogs
Ayer's dog bylaw treats a dog as running at large whenever it is off its owner's or keeper's premises and not held on a leash by someone able to control it, and the Animal Control Officer must impound any dog found at large or order the…
Boating
Allowed year-round, ice conditions permitting
Managed by
Ayer Conservation Commission
WebsiteWhat's here
Not here
No drinking water
no facilities reported at the pond itself; nearest amenities are at Pirone Park
Common questions
Can I swim in Grove Pond?
Swimming and fishing are discouraged because of heavy-metal contamination in the sediment left from the pond's history near the former Fort Devens.
Yes, boating is permitted; most people put in near Pirone Park on the north shore.
Can I bring my dog to Grove Pond?
Ayer's dog bylaw treats a dog as running at large whenever it is off its owner's or keeper's premises and not held on a leash by someone able to control it, and the Animal Control Officer must impound any dog found at large or order the owner to restrain it. No dog may become a nuisance dog,…
What rules should I know at Grove Pond?
Restricted-use designation; Category 5 impaired waterbody under the Clean Water Act due to arsenic, mercury, and chromium in sediment.