Was it the shimmering surface of Turner’s Pond that first captivated you? Or perhaps the whispering reeds lining its banks? Here before you lies Turner’s Pond a tranquil freshwater haven nestled within the Neponset River Watershed. This isn’t just any pond. It’s a living testament to Milton’s history a place where ice harvesting once thrived.
In the 1870s Turner’s Pond was largely a swamp. Jacob A Turner a local entrepreneur saw its potential. He dredged and dammed Aunt Sarah’s Brook transforming the swamp into an ice pond. His Milton Ice Company yielded a remarkable 4500 tons of ice annually. This was a major industry back then. Ice was harvested and stored in sheds until the mid-1920s. Imagine the scale of such an operation. The old dam remained a landmark for years.
But Turner’s Pond’s legacy extends beyond ice. His son Roger F Turner became a renowned figure skater. He honed his skills on this very pond. He won the 1926 US Junior Men’s Championship. For seven consecutive years from 1928 to 1934 he reigned as the US Men’s Figure Skating Champion. His achievements brought international recognition to Turner’s Pond. His legacy lives on here too.
Today Turner’s Pond is a 26-acre park a sanctuary for wildlife. The crushed stone pathway circling the pond offers easy access. It’s perfect for strollers wheelchairs and anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty. A state grant and private donations made this accessible pathway a reality in 2008. The pond is alive with activity. Ducks are often fed particularly in spring after a harsh winter. You can fish here for bream bluegill largemouth bass green sunfish and crappie. A fishing badge is required. Don’t forget to admire the plants too. Goldenrod cattails water lilies Queen Anne’s lace and milkweed adorn the banks. The various oak maple willow birch beech white pine crabapple and sumac trees provide shade and shelter. Observe the diverse plant and animal life.
The Town of Milton acquired Turner’s Pond and Pope’s Pond in the 1950s and 1960s. They are now part of the town’s park system. The Ed Baker Fishing Tournament held every June after the pond is stocked is a cherished annual event. Remember swimming and ice-skating are prohibited here. Observe but don’t disturb this special place.
So as you stand here at Turner’s Pond take a moment to appreciate its rich history. From ice harvesting to figure-skating champions to its present-day role as a community park Turner’s Pond continues to enrich the lives of those who visit. Its story is one of transformation resilience and enduring appeal. It’s a place where nature and history intertwine. It’s a place to visit and remember.