Fountain Returns to Memorial Pond!
19 July 2026
View of Memorial Pond fountain from School Street adjacent to World War 1 Veterans Memorial Bridge
After an 8-year hiatus, the aerating water fountain on Memorial Pond has returned to its former glory! It had been removed prior to the massive dredging and restoration project that took place from late 2018 into 2019. The James H. Delaney Memorial Fountain was originally installed in 2010, paid for by donations from a number of local businesses and organizations. The reinstallation in late June was the result of efforts by volunteers affiliated with the Walpole Ponds Management Committee and Walpole Waters, a local environmental advocacy organization directed by Ken Southwood.
More Upgrades on the Horizon
The fountain restoration is just one of many upgrades in the works to improve the Memorial Pond area. New benches have recently been installed along School Street, with new picnic tables expected to be installed this summer adjacent to the viewing and fishing pier that was constructed in 2022. Work will also be done to improve the forested walking trail that runs along the southwest side of the pond, including installation of boardwalks in locations where the trail tends to become muddy during the rainy season. Masonry repair is planned for the Memorial Bridge spillway which directs water from the pond under School Street into Spring Brook. The entire 35-acre area, including the adjacent Spring Brook Park across Stone Street, was the focus of an improvement study performed in 2025.
Trail along southwest side of Memorial Pond provides a view of the fountain
A Century of Memorial Pond History
Memorial Pond is more than a scenic spot, it’s a living monument. Created in 1922 via damming of the Neponset River, unlike many dams across the River, it was not built to provide hydraulic power for industry, but as the centerpiece for Walpole’s newly designed Memorial Park. The pond serves as tribute to Walpole Soldiers who died in World War 1, and as a scenic backdrop for the World War 1 Veterans Memorial Bridge.
Memorial Park was designed as the town’s “central park” by landscape architect John Nolen, in conjunction with the celebration of the town’s 200th Anniversary in 1924. Following construction of the pond and bridges in 1922, a local benefactor financed construction of a pool and bathhouse in 1926. Between 1929 and 1932, Blackburn Memorial Hall was built as a social center on Stone Street bordering the park.
By the 1950s and 1960s, the pond became an active athletic focal point for the town. During the winter months residents enjoyed the pond for skating, taking advantage of its adjacent brick shelter for protection against the wind while lacing up or resting. It was actually used as the official home ice for the Walpole High School hockey team. During the summer, locals enjoyed fishing from the Memorial Bridge, a practice that has recently been reinvigorated with construction of the pier in 2022.
Come Enjoy Our Public Treasure!
The town of Walpole is extremely fortunate to have this aquatic gem with such rich history so close to our busy downtown area. Residents are encouraged to stop by and enjoy this historic treasure!
New benches along either side of the spillway offer a relaxing view