image description — There is a splash pad located at Clapp Park in Pittsfield.

Ways to Cool Off this Summer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
12:01PM / Saturday, August 09, 2025Print Story | Email Story

Enjoy the splash pad at Noel Field in North Adams.

It's going to be hot this week, and if you'd like to beat that summer heat, here are some places to enjoy. Make sure to get outside during the tail end of summer and enjoy some of the water the Berkshires has to offer.

Clapp Park

Pittsfield

Clapp Park is a great area for little ones and even adults to cool off. The splash pads located behind the field are turned on daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Spend some time in the water as well as the small playground located next to it. Make sure to bring some sunscreen!

Noel Field Athletic Complex Splash Pad

North Adams

The splash pad is another great splash pad in the city where you can enjoy the water as well as the playground. Located at 298 State St and just a short drive from many places to get an ice cream or cool beverage to relax afterwards.

Lake Mansfield

Great Barrington

Enjoy a day of swimming and sunbathing at the lake this summer. Located by entering through Christian Hill Road. There are also plenty of picnic tables to sit around and enjoy lunch together before heading back into the water.

Burbank Park/ Onota Lake

Pittsfield

Take a day at this beach location and enjoy a swim. You can even catch a fish or take a boat ride out into the lake. The beach also has a toy box for people to use and donate while playing on the sand.

York Lake

New Marlborough

Enjoy this other family-friendly beach with picnic and grills. You're also welcome to fish or take a kayak out onto the water. It's located at East Hill Road off Route 183.

Wahconah Falls

Dalton

Located at 1 North Street, enjoy the breathtaking views of a waterfall that's easily accessible. Dip your feet in the water and enjoy the scenery as well at one of the picnic tables on site.

Clarksburg State Park

Clarksburg

Enjoy a day at the Clarksburg campground where you can launch a boat, fish, or even swim at the beach. Enjoy a nice lunch at one of the many picnic tables. The campground also has an abundance of hiking trails through the shaded greenery to explore.

Lenox Town Beach

Lenox

The Lenox town beach is used by residents only but others are able to visit town hall for a pass to go to the beach. At the beach you can enjoy swimming. There is also a covered pavilion to enjoy a nice lunch. Build sandcastles and relax. Just a short drive from the beach you can also launch a boat to enjoy a nice float through Laurel Lake.

Tags: lakes, ponds,

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Pittsfield Council Revisiting DEI Office Restructure

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:11PM / Tuesday, October 13, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The conversation about the DEI office renaming that was halted by a charter objection will resume on Tuesday.

The City Council will discuss a request from Mayor Peter Marchetti to restructure the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

It proposes to rename the DEI office to the Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity and merge the Human Rights Commission and Affirmative Action Committee into an Equity, Access and Opportunity Commission.

The Ordinance and Rules Subcommittee supported the changes in August, and in September, Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham delayed the vote with a charter objection.

Pittsfield's City Code prohibits charter states that "if a single member present objects to the taking of the vote, the vote shall be postponed until the next meeting of the city council." It also stipulates that at least four members must object if it is an emergency measure.

Cunningham also submitted a petition, which was referred to O&R under Rule 27, to replace the DEI Office and the Human Rights Commission with an equity, access, and opportunity coordinator in the Department of Community Development, with formal complaints and Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action functions assigned to Human Resources.

At the last meeting, he spent more than an hour querying the mayor and chief diversity officer about functions and effectiveness of the department, wanting more quantitative data. Cunningham proposed an ordinance that he says keeps Pittsfield's commitment to equity, access, and opportunity, "refocuses it on measurable results for our residents, and delivers it at a fraction of the current cost."

Under this petition, the equity, access, and opportunity coordinator would be a $60,000 to $80,000 per year position.

The DEI Office's fiscal year 2027 budget was about $200,000 after cuts during budget season; $106,700 for the chief diversity officer and $58,000 for the administrative assistant. The coordinator would be appointed by the director of community development and the mayor.

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