Three hundred years ago, a settler wandered pleasantly through local woodland. Legend states that he happened upon a lovely pristine lake surrounded by peaceful forest. His eyes glimpsed a young Native American calmly working nearby. They fell in love instantly. Her father, taking umbrage, leapt through the forest chasing the young Mr. Babcock who swam across to the swimming beach but was captured anyway. Off to Canada until ransom was paid and he returned home. Oh well, it is likely a myth, although Mr. Babcock was indeed captured and ransomed.

The pristine waters he discovered were christened as Athol’s beloved Silver Lake. This deep kettle pond, fed by springs beneath its glimmering surface gradually became a site of homesteads. By the 1800s as the town of Athol became further established, the lake became a pleasant popular recreational area. Horse drawn carriages, pavilion, music, family enjoyment was frequent and well attended.

One hundred years apart, two more master plans for beautification of the lake were created. Each of these plans furthered development of the surrounding parkland. Thus a tennis court, a covered pavilion paved walkway, automobile access and parking availability have been created for free public use.

The lake itself may be considered bottomless because the 10 miles of mud measured by scuba divers was as far as they could manage.

As a new homeowner in Athol, Silver Lake stole my heart. It took a while to figure out auto access and parking since signage seemed to be lacking. I wandered the surrounding broken pavement, observed the lonely swing set adjacent to the swimming beach, sat amongst the trees to enjoy the view. I saw signs of wear and tear; tennis courts with torn nets and broken court surface, trash along the path. I met local walkers who kindly picked up trash daily for deposit in the much appreciated bins installed and maintained by Athol’s Department of Public Works.

The swim area was nicely roped off within safe swimming depths for families with children. The water quality is tested regularly. A lifeguard remains on duty. Abundant shady areas are well utilized for picnics and relaxing. Of course, many people enjoy walking their leashed dogs around the lake.

As with any body of water there have been mishaps, misuse and tragedies over the decades. Currently, there is concern about finding used hypodermic needles on the ground or in trash bins. Evening and night use can become problematic if excessive drinking or drug use becomes hazardous.

The Open Space and Recreation Committee is addressing the next step in improving Silver Lake’s parkland. A recent walk through of the committee members discussed upgrading the area for strollers, building an environmental play space for families with children, fixing boundaries for parking.

I envision again active families bringing their children to a vibrant safe community parkland which is valued and mightily cared for by we citizens of this historic town.

Perhaps a local Friends of Silver Lake nonprofit organization to raise funds for care and maintenance of Silver Lake Park would assist the town government in its efforts to restore it to its former glory.

Linda Hardiman lives in Athol.