Leverett residents can now enjoy being on the water by borrowing a canoe or kayak, together with paddles and life jackets—all donated by members of the community, including a volunteer-built boat rack. (Non-Leverett residents may borrow boats if they have a resident sign as a sponsor.)
The Leverett Pond boating experience begins with a quiet paddle, snaking along a channel that leads through the wetland marsh to open water beyond. After that it is clear sailing until you reach the northern coves of the pond that are dominated by pond lilies, decomposing tree trunks, an uninhabited shoreline, and a plethora of turtles, waterfowl, and other wildlife. You will also find the new dam in the northeast corner. You can walk around the dam but please do not walk on the dam (it can be dangerous) or cross the brook.
The boats and equipment are located in an open rack at the Depot Road Boat Launch at the southern tip of the pond. Currently, users check out boats by contacting Diane Crowe, Chair, Leverett Recreation Committee, at 413-336-2589 (or diacrowe@yahoo.com) to fill out a release and be given a key to the boats and equipment locker. There is no rental fee.
Once the Leverett Library re-opens, you will be able to check out boats at the counter. The Village Coop has also offered to check out boats, an option we would like to add in 2021