Few Incidents Harmful To Willett Beach Reputation-This Day in Norwood History-July 18, 1957

(Ed Notes Those close to the settle at Willett Pond Beach have viewed with alarm the few recent incidents in the pond area, fearful that the reputation of the beach as a recreation and beauty spot will suffer irreparable harm. With this in mind the Free Press is happy to present this article as submitted. Other articles will follow.)

In the past few weeks much has been written and said in regard to hoodlumism and vandalism in the vicinity of Willett Pond. The purpose of this article is to present to the people of Norwood a clear picture of conditions as they exist at the bathing beach which is under the ownership and supervision of Norwood Civic Association.

Neither of the two incidents of violence which were reported in, the local press occurred in or near the bathing area. Both took place in areas quite a distance removed from the beach, and on land which had been posted against trespassing. Vigilant patrolling by the police forces of Norwood, Walpole, and Westwood since those incidents, has prevented the recurrence of any trouble of that nature. The strict enforcement of parking regulations on Brook Street and at the rotary has succeeded in rid- ding the entire area of any nocturnal mischief.

The beach and bathing facilities at Willett Pond are run by the N.C.A. for the benefit of residents of Norwood, Westwood, and Walpole. Norwood children under sixteen years of age are admitted free. Residents of these three towns can pay an admission fee of two dollars per car and one dollar per adult person which entitles them to the use of the parking and bathing facilities for one year. The beach and concession are under the management of Mrs. Mary Bateman of Winter Street, Norwood, who employs a force of eighteen local people. This includes four lifeguards, four policemen to supervise parking and direct traffic on Nichols and Brook streets, two parking attendants, four clerks for the concession, and two maintenance personnel.

The beach and picnic area by Lifeguards Mary Tucker, Bill Frates, Jim Coughlin, and Dick MacLeod. Board of Health bath-ing regulations are strictly enforced at all times on the beach as evidence by the fact that Willett Pond Beach has not had 2 drowning accident in many years Excellent first aid is provided Red Cross trained personnel and Red Cross certified swimming instructions can be obtained. In addition to the beach, a beautiful shaded picnic area is provided for family groups who wish to spend a pleasant day enjoying a cookout. The beach and picnic area show a cleanliness unmatched In recent years and both are policed daily for litter and broken glass.

Two bathhouses, complete with toilet facilities, are open to public use. In addition, there is a refreshment stand which sells ice cream, candies, sandwiches, and soft drinks. The funds taken in by admission fees and sale of refreshments go toward meeting the weekly payroll of well over five hundred dollars and toward the improvement of the premises. Five hundred dollars was spent for a new pump to provide water power, three hundred for a new cesspool, and approximately eight hundred to repair damage caused by fire.

The beach has been much maligned by stories of cuts and Injuries sustained by bathers but the truth of the matter is that approximately 90 percent of these injuries occur in areas other than those legally open for public use and which have been posted against trespassing. This all-around improvement has induced thousands of people to avail themselves of the use of bathing facilities during the past summer weeks and over two hundred and fifty Norwood residents have purchased yearly admission stickers. It is hoped that with the cooperation of the town officials, the public and the N.C.A., this improvement will increase and that Willett Pond will continue to be of recreational, as well as scenic value to the town of Norwood.

(All articles were originally published in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)