Wigwam Pond, a water body made up of 23 acres, has improved its water quality over the years and is now the home to beavers, birds, and a variety of fish. Unfortunately, there is currently limited access to the pond. Abutting parcels are either under private ownership or have natural constraints (wetlands), and nearby publicly available parking is limited. Accessibility is further challenged by the presence of natural and invasive vegetation, steep slopes, and large piles of yard waste. Public access is currently limited to a relatively unknown and poorly maintained paved path and canoe/kayak launch adjacent to the existing Rent-A-Tent facility.

Access to green space has innumerable socio-economic and environmental health benefits. Open space provides active and passive recreational opportunities for people to hike, walk, bird watch, paddle, fish, meditate, and more. There is a growing body of research showing the connection between human health and well-being and the design and structure of towns and their connection with nature. Those who have access to nature have shown reduced stress levels, decreased evidence of depression and improved general health. It is important that all neighborhoods have access to nature.

Wigwam Pond Watershed Management Plan + Access & Recreation Plan

Part 1 - Watershed Management Plan

Several of the commercial properties adjacent to Wigwam Pond will likely be developed as residential projects in the immediate future. To “get ahead” of the likely desire of future resident access to Wigwam Pond, in addition to current interests of the Town to look toward better access and amenities for Wigwam Pond, an analysis of Wigwam Pond’s ecological conditions is requested.

The Town of Dedham worked alongside ESS Group, LLC to undertake a Watershed Management Plan for Wigwam Pond. ESS Group, LLC will develop the plan in coordination with the Planning & Zoning Department and the Conservation Commission to assess Wigwam Pond’s ecological conditions and develop a management plan for the improved health of the pond. The Consultant team is expected to perform the following tasks that include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Watershed Delineation
2. Assessments of Vegetation, Water Sampling, Biological Resources, Bathymetry, Nutrient Loading, Sediment Loading, and Point-Source Discharges
3. Short and Long-Term Recommendations
4. Watershed Management Plan

Part 2 - Public Access & Recreation Plan

1. Site Inventory and Analysis
2. Schematic and Conceptual Access Plan Designs
3. Final Preferred Concept Plan
4. Final Public Access & Recreation Plan

The overarching goals of the access and recreation plan are the following:

1. Provide safe and enjoyable recreational, learning and exercise opportunities;
2. Allow the community to engage with the natural environment;
3. Protect wildlife habitats;
4. Minimize ecological impacts;
5. Establish maintenance requirements;
6. Create accessible trails; and
7. Highlight the scenic, ecological, and geological features of the Pond.

The Wigwam Pond Access & Recreation Plan began in October 2022 and is anticipated to take up to twelve (12) months.

WIGWAM POND ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

Dennis Teehan - Select Board

Jay O'Brien - Planning Board

Jim Maher - Open Space & Recreation

Erik DeAvila - Conservation Commission

Lisa Farnham - Parks & Recreation

Rebecca Bachand - At-Large

Gail Coughlin -At-Large

Ruth Helfeld -At-Large

Anthony Morganelli -At-Large

Finbar Heaslip -Student

Susie Plunkett -Student

Ex-Officio: Joe Flanagan, Department of Public Works