Pond Facts & Map

Pillings Pond Foundation, Inc. — 501(c)(3) — Lynnfield, Massachusetts

"To Protect, Preserve, and Improve Pillings Pond for Our Community."

About Pillings Pond

Pillings Pond is a shallow, 96-acre artificial impoundment located about a mile southeast of Lynnfield center. Created in the 1830s by damming Bates Brook, the pond is a popular neighborhood focal point for fishing, ice-fishing, and wildlife viewing, though it struggles with invasive weeds and algae blooms.

🏖 Size

Approximately 96 acres

🏠 Location

~1 mile southeast of Lynnfield center

🐥 Depth

Shallow: 2′ to 5′ in most areas
Deep end: 25 feet

📈 Water Quality

Monitored annually
Summer 2025: Excellent

🌿 Origin

Created in the 1830s by damming Bates Brook

⛴ Public Access

Boat launch (west shore)
Rotary Park — Summer Street

Recreation & Fishing

Pillings Pond is a beloved recreational destination for Lynnfield residents year-round. We encourage all residents to get out on the water and enjoy everything the pond has to offer.

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Fishing

The shallow waters make Pillings Pond an excellent spot for panfish (including yellow perch and black crappie) as well as largemouth bass. Ice fishing is also popular during winter months. We encourage catch and release fishing to preserve the pond's ecosystem.

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Rotary Park

Located on Summer Street, Rotary Park is the primary public access point for Pillings Pond. It features 7 parking spaces, a fishing dock, benches, and a lawned area along the shoreline — perfect for fishing, picnicking, and wildlife watching.

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Kayaking & Canoeing

Pillings Pond is a wonderful spot to kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. The pond's natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and calm waters make it an ideal paddling destination for all skill levels. Launch from the public boat launch or Rotary Park.

Boating on Pillings Pond

Boating is allowed on Pillings Pond. All boats must be registered with the Town of Lynnfield. Due to the narrowness of the pond and shoreline erosion prevention, Pillings Pond is a no-wake zone. All Massachusetts Boating Laws apply.

Please be a good steward of the pond and follow these guidelines to keep Pillings Pond safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone:

🚲No wake zone throughout — helps prevent shoreline erosion

😒Keep a safe distance from other boaters, swimmers, and wildlife

🦋Watch out for wildlife — swans, ducks, and other animals call this pond home

⚓Clean boat bottoms before launching to prevent invasive species

🛡Very shallow in many areas — consult the map before navigating

🔊No sound pollution — keep music at a respectful level

🚫Do not dump anything into the pond — keep it clean

🎣Catch and release fishing encouraged to preserve fish populations

🚶Swim at your own risk — no lifeguards on duty

🤝Be courteous — no nuisance activity, stay in control at all times

🌎Be a steward — help protect the pond for future generations

⛔All Massachusetts boating laws apply — be safe and have fun!

Pillings Pond Map

The map below shows key features of the pond including depths, hazard areas, rocks, sandbars, the boat launch, and Rotary Park.

Map for reference only — not for navigational purposes. April 2021.

Water Quality

The Pillings Pond Foundation actively monitors and works to improve water quality. We partner with professional water management companies and are pursuing grant funding for additional improvements including SolarBee aerator systems.

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2025 Water Quality Results

Water quality monitoring in July and August 2025 showed excellent conditions. The Foundation continues working with Water and Wetland Company on year-end reporting and long-term improvement strategies.

Excellent — Summer 2025

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MA State Water Quality Improvement Grant

PPF is pursuing the Massachusetts State Water Quality Improvement Grant for Spring 2026 to fund additional water quality improvements for Pillings Pond.

Grant Pending

SePRO Lab water diagnostics — Pillings Pond algae identification results.