Wright's Pond in Medford: Beach, Passes and Hours

Wright's Pond is a City of Medford beach at 140 Elm Street in the Middlesex Fells. It has lifeguards from late June to the end of August and is open to Medford residents with a pond pass.

It's the only place in the Fells where you can swim. Medford Recreation runs it, not DCR, so the rules and passes come from the city.

Who Can Swim at Wright's Pond

Only Medford residents. You need a pond pass, and you show proof of residency when you buy it or on your first visit if you bought online. A driver's license or Massachusetts ID with a Medford address works. If you just moved, a current utility bill in your name works too.

A driver's license or car registration on its own isn't a pass. You need the vehicle sticker or the walk-in pass.

If you don't live in Medford, there's no other swimming in the Fells. DCR doesn't allow it in Spot Pond, Bellevue Pond or the reservoirs. Our swimming page has the details.

Pond Passes and Prices

These are Medford's 2026 prices. They can change, so check Medford Recreation each spring.

• Vehicle sticker: $55 per car. One carload per day.
• Walk-in pass: $22, admits 1 to 3 people.
• Seniors 62+ and cars with a disability placard: $33 vehicle pass.
• Caregiver vehicle pass: $55, for a PCA or aide driving a Medford resident. The resident has to be in the car.

Passes go on sale online on June 1. You need a Medford Recreation household account first, which can take up to 48 hours to approve. Once the pond opens, you can also buy a pass at the snack shack.

Financial aid is available through the Medford Family Network.

Beach Rules

• Life jackets: only Coast Guard approved Type 1 to 3 life jackets or Puddle Jumpers. Loaners are at the main entrance.
• No floats. No body boards, inflatables or beach balls. Use a soft water ball in the water.
• Kids: under 7 or under four feet tall need a parent or guardian in a swimsuit, within arm's reach in the water. Under 13 need an adult present.
• Swim only in marked areas, and only when a lifeguard is on duty.
• No pets. Service dogs are allowed, but not in the water.
• No boats, grills, open fires, alcohol, glass or smoking.

The Board of Health tests the water weekly and reports it to the state. Check the state's beach water quality dashboard before you go. Full rules are on Medford's rules page.

The beach has a beach wheelchair (Mobi-Chair) and a Mobi-Mat walkway to the water.

Fishing at Wright's Pond

Medford allows fishing only away from the swimming areas, and you need a Massachusetts fishing license. See our fishing page for the license rules.

Parking and Getting There

Park at the pond lot at 140 Elm Street, Medford. It's open only during pond hours, so it's closed outside the season.

Not a Medford resident? Use a DCR lot and hike instead. Our parking page lists every lot.

Wright's Pond Outside Beach Season

The beach closed for the 2026 season on August 30. Medford Recreation still holds a few events at the pond. In October 2026 it listed a pumpkin carving party and a Halloween Fest and Pumpkin Float. Check the Medford Rec calendar for dates.

Birthday party reservations open on June 1, when passes go on sale.