Newton Conservators - Crystal Lake


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Newton Park and Conservation Lands

Crystal Lake

LOCATION: Newton Highlands

Enter off Rogers Street or Lake Avenue.

Location map

Trail map (Buy a trail guide)

Aerial photo

SIZE: 33 acres

ACQUIRED: 1894 and 2007

Photo Gallery

ADMINISTERED BY: Parks and Recreation

FEATURES:

People come here to swim, fish, and boat. The bathhouse is open during the summer. Shoreline path and sidewalks allow for walks along three sides of the lake. Because Crystal Lake is a "great pond" (a pond that's larger than ten acres), it is state owned.

HISTORY:

Crystal Lake has had several names. Its colonial name was Wiswall's Pond. The lake was used for ice harvesting in the 19th century, as was Bullough's Pond and Chandler Pond. Ice dealers who sold the ice for refrigeration renamed it Crystal Lake to sound appealing to customers. Read this 1911 booklet for more history of the lake.


*1863*	The seawall and gas lights at Cronin's Cove were erected.
*1880s*	The lake was named Baptist Pond because First Baptist Church of Newton used the lake for baptisms.
*1894*	Two small parcels were acquired, one donated by Moses and Emeline Crane.
2006	The Newton Parks and Recreation Commission voted to recommend that the city use CPA funds to acquire the property at 20 Rogers Street to expand the Crystal Lake swimming area.
*2007*	Newton acquires 20 Rogers Street by eminent domain.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Swimming Information

Parks and Recreation Department regulations and information

Proposal to expand the Crystal Lake swimming area

Acquisition of 20 Rogers Street

A Comprehensive Historical Sketch of Crystal Lake (1911)

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