Due to the recent snow, the Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management (PBRM) is issuing a warning that ice on Springfield lakes and ponds is not safe. The recent blanket of snow on our lakes and ponds and the unseasonably cold weather provides a false impression they are safe to walk on. We are urging parents and guardians to speak to their children to stay off all ponds and lakes in the City of Springfield. Although the weather is cold, the temperatures have not been cold long enough for the ice to be safe to walk or skate on.
A layer of snow covering the ice does not guarantee that the ice is solid and PBRM encourages all parents and guardians to educate their children on the danger of unsafe ice and to heed warnings posted on signs. Springfield lakes and ponds have moving water and require depths of ice in most cases of 8 inches or more. Currently, there is less than 2 inches of ice and many areas have open water.
You can access a copy of our Ice Safety Brochure here or contact the Recreation Division at 413-787-6434 Monday through Friday.