One of my favorite Webster parks
By virtue of its being one of my hometown parks, I've been to North Ponds Park more times than I can count. I've ridden, run and walked through it. I've gone picnicking and swimming there, attended festivals and special events and played disc golf.
North Ponds Park is located on the north side Route 104, just west of Route 250/North Ave. It's only accessible by car from 250 to the east, but there are some paths connecting the park to the businesses and hotels on its west side.
This is a large park which encompasses three ponds and a large green space. A one-mile paved walking/running loop which encircles the ponds also has fitness stations. There are many picnic tables, benches from which to watch the ducks and geese, a lodge with bathrooms, a few pavilions, and a relatively new disc golf course.
If you want a longer hiking experience than the one-mile loop trail provides, head to the north end of the park, where just across Orchard Street you can pick up the 5-mile long Hojack Trail (which leads to more trails to the west), and the 0.8 mile Bird Sanctuary Trail (which leads to more trails to the east).
Many years ago, North Ponds was a town swimming hole, very popular with mothers and young children. But I think it got to be too expensive to maintain and pay the guards, so there is no more swimming.
North Ponds is one of our east-side parks which I would consider a destination. It's a very pleasant place to hike, bike, picnic and fish. Pretty much the only thing it doesn't offer is a playground. But there's lot of space to kick around a soccer ball and the kids will love seeing all the Canada geese (the town hates them).
The photos below illustrate some of the features and natural beauty that characterize North Ponds Park.
