East Brimfield Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids East Brimfield Dam |
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East Brimfield Dam and Lake
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| Official name | East Brimfield Dam |
| Location | Sturbridge, Massachusetts |
| Construction began | 1958 |
| Opening date | 1960 |
| Operator(s) | Army Corps of Engineers |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | Quinebaug River |
| Height | 55 ft (17 m) |
| Length | 520 ft (160 m) |
| Width (crest) | 24 ft (7.3 m) |
| Width (base) | 280 ft (85 m) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | East Brimfield Reservoir |
The East Brimfield Dam is a large structure built on the Quinebaug River in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. It's about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Worcester, Massachusetts. The United States Army Corps of Engineers designed and built this dam. Its main job is to help stop floods along the Quinebaug and Thames rivers.
Building the dam started in 1958 and finished in 1960. The East Brimfield Reservoir is the lake created by the dam. It is located in Sturbridge and Brimfield. You can easily get to the dam area from US Route 20.
Contents
What is the East Brimfield Dam?
The East Brimfield Dam is a type of dam made from packed earth. It has stones on its slopes to protect it. The dam is 520 feet (160 m) long and 55 feet (17 m) tall. There's also a special concrete section called a spillway. This spillway is 75 ft (23 m) long. It helps release extra water safely when the lake gets too full.
The East Brimfield Reservoir is a permanent lake. It covers about 360 acres (1.5 km2). This lake includes a natural body of water called Long Pond, which became larger because of the dam. The dam can hold a lot of water to prevent floods. It can store about 29,900 acre-feet (36,900,000 m3) of water. That's like 9.7 billion gallons!
Fun Things to Do at East Brimfield Lake
The East Brimfield Lake area offers many cool places for outdoor activities. You can enjoy nature, go swimming, or try fishing.
Day Use Recreation Areas
There are several spots perfect for a day trip.
Lake Siog Recreation Area
This area is at the southern end of the project in Holland. It has a shady picnic spot and a swimming beach. There's also a nature trail that's about 3/4 mile long. This area is open during summer, from June to Labor Day. It's open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 AM to 6 PM. There is no fee to enter.
East Brimfield Damsite
You can find the damsite on Riverview Avenue in Sturbridge. Here, you can walk right on top of the dam. There's also a self-guided nature trail, also 3/4 mile long. This spot is open all year, from sunrise to sunset. There is no entrance fee.
Quinebaug River Canoe Trail
This is a 5-mile (8.0 km) long canoe route on the Quinebaug River. It starts at Lake Siog and ends at the East Brimfield Reservoir. You can launch your canoe from Pond Bridge Road in Holland. The end point is at the East Brimfield Reservoir boat ramp in Brimfield. There are three rest stops along the way with benches. You cannot camp overnight here. This trail is a special National Recreational Trail. It's also a great place to watch wildlife. There is no fee to use the trail.
Champeaux Road Fishing Area
This fishing area is easy to access for everyone, including those with disabilities. It's near the northern part of the reservoir in Sturbridge. It has a parking area and two fishing platforms right on the shore of Long Pond. There is no fee to fish here.
Boat Ramps
If you want to go boating, there are a few places to launch your boat.
Long Pond Boat Ramp
This ramp is on the north side of US Route 20 in Sturbridge. It's paved and has a portable toilet and an information sign. It's even open in winter for ice fishing access. There is no fee.
Reservoir Boat Ramp
You'll find this ramp on the south side of US Route 20 in Brimfield. It's also paved and has an information sign. This ramp is closed during the winter. There is no fee.
Holland Pond Boat Launch
This launch is on Pond Bridge Road in Holland. It's not paved and is best for smaller boats that you can launch from your car. There is no fee.
