Massachusetts Park Closed After 2011 Tornado to Reopen

A popular recreation area in the Brimfield State Forest is reopening two years after it was damaged in a tornado outbreak that left a 39-mile path of destruction from Westfield to Charlton, Mass.

The Springfield Republican reports that Dean Pond, at the western end of the forest, will reopen this week.

The announcement came from state Sen. Stephen Brewer of Barre, who calls Dean Pond “a valued recreation area” for Brimfield residents. Barre, chairman of the Senate’s main budget writing committee, has been an advocate for state parks.

The Dean Pond Recreation Area has roads and trails for hiking, walking and horseback riding along with fishing and picnic areas, and a beach.

The June 1, 2011, tornado downed trees on hundreds of acres in the Brimfield State Forest.