Friends of Farm Pond Putting On Annual Open Swim Fundraiser

The Friends of Farm Pond will be putting on their annual escorted open swim to benefit events held at the popular recreational spot in Sherborn.

The Admiral Funbelow Perimeter Swim is an event that will take place on Aug. 31 this year. David Reavill, a member of the Friends of Farm Pond and co-director of the event, said it’s all about fun. He fell in love with the pond when he began training for triathlons as a Dover resident, and he wishes to share that love with others.

“The perimenter of the pond is 1.6 miles. For many people, it could be the first time they have challenged themselves to swim that far,” he said. “We’ll have people escorting the swimmers and keeping an eye out for them.”

Reavell said for those not lucky enough to win a spot in the lottery for parking spaces at Farm Pond, this even gives residents a chance to enjoy the pond and not worry about parking.

“I’m trying to increase knowledge of the pond as a beautiful open water swimming venue,” he said. “Swimming is best done with companions in case something should happen. It’s an activity that’s best with other people.”

The event has been happening for over 12 years, Reavill said. The event was started by Sherborn resident Dusty Burke, and with cash donations of any amount, participants can help fun future Farm Pond events such as the sand and sculpture contests. It also benefits Penny-A-Rock day where children are invited to pick up stones to make the beach area more pleasant for others. Any donations also help fund souvenirs and refreshments at the event itself.

“We’ll try to hit the water around 8:30 a.m. so that people who have child activities can still get their children there and still participate,” he said. Reavill said the event is on a Saturday with a rain date being the Sunday.

“We’ll keep our fingers crossed for good weather,” he said.

Having an event like this, Reavill said, “is important for the community, the health benefits. It promotes interaction with open swimmers. I’m hoping people make connection and organize other group swims.”

According to the town of Sherborn’s website, Farm Pond was created by the melting of a glacier in New England 12,000 years ago, and it currently covers 124 acres. The pond also used to be used as a reservoir for the Medfield State Hospital until it closed in 2003. Every year, non-residents of Sherborn enter a lottery for a parking space at Farm Pond. Sherborn residents must pay a fee for a parking spot on a yearly basis. This event, however, is free and open to the public. 

Reavill said anyone could come and enjoy “the lovely pond” and the joys of open swimming, especially with other people. For more information, those interested can visit the event’s Facebook page.