Lake Sabbatia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Sabbatia |
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USGS Map of Lake Sabbatia
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 Lake Sabbatia
Location in Massachusetts
Lake Sabbatia
Location in the United States
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| Location | Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts |
| Coordinates | 41°56′00″N 71°06′30″W / 41.93333°N 71.10833°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Snake River |
| Primary outflows | Mill River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 248 acres (100 ha) |
| Max. depth | 35 feet (11 m) |
| Surface elevation | 59 feet (18 m) |
Lake Sabbatia, also called Scaddings Pond, is a large lake in Taunton, Massachusetts. It covers about 248 acres, which is like 188 football fields! You can find it close to Watson Pond State Park.
This lake is where the Mill River starts its journey. It's also where the Snake River flows into. Lake Sabbatia is the biggest lake in Taunton and a very popular spot for fun activities.
The lake has several small coves and even an island. Its edges are lined with forests, roads, and houses. People love to visit Lake Sabbatia for many outdoor activities.
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Fun Activities at Lake Sabbatia
Lake Sabbatia is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Many people come here for different kinds of recreation.
Boating and Swimming
You can go boating on the lake, whether you have a small rowboat or a motorboat. There's a special ramp off Bay Street where you can launch your boat easily. When the weather is warm, swimming is also a popular way to cool off in the lake's waters.
Fishing Adventures
Fishing is another favorite activity at Lake Sabbatia. Anglers, which is another word for people who fish, can try to catch different types of fish. Even in winter, when the lake freezes over, people enjoy ice fishing.
Protecting the Lake's Environment
Lake Sabbatia is part of a special natural area. It's important to protect this environment for everyone.
Area of Critical Environmental Concern
Both Lake Sabbatia and Watson Pond are located inside a protected area. This area is called the Canoe River Aquifer. It's also known as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). This means the area is very important for its natural resources and needs special protection.
The Story of the Dam
Dams help control water levels in lakes and rivers. Lake Sabbatia has an important dam that needed fixing.
The Dam's Collapse in 2005
On October 18, 2005, something serious happened. A very old wooden dam in downtown Taunton started to break apart. This was because of a lot of heavy rain. People were worried about floods, so many had to leave their homes for safety. The dam was nearly a hundred years old.
Community Efforts to Rebuild
After the dam problem, people in the Lake Sabbatia area decided to help. In April 2007, they formed a group to rebuild the Morey's Bridge Dam. This dam helps keep the lake's water at the right level.
The dam's owner had to fix it or remove it completely. If the dam was removed, the lake could have turned into a swampy area. But the owner chose to work with the community. They agreed to match every dollar the citizens raised to build a new dam. Through their website and online group, the community raised over $20,000!
Building the New Dam in 2007
On July 7, 2007, many people from the community came together. They worked hard to build a new block structure in front of the old dam. This new structure was about 120 feet long. It took months of planning and getting special permits.
Over 50 local residents volunteered to help build the dam. Local construction companies also helped by donating heavy machines, drivers, and building materials. Local restaurants gave food to the workers, and residents brought more food. People gathered to watch as huge concrete blocks were lifted into place. The work started early on a Saturday and continued late into the night. Volunteers even came back on Sunday to add a protective rubber layer.
This new structure, called a spillway, helps the lake manage its own water level. This protects the areas upstream from drying out and helps fish to thrive. There are also plans to fix the original dam and add a fish ladder. A fish ladder helps fish swim past the dam to lay their eggs.
