OUr Organization

Kendall Pond (formerly known as Hind's Pond) has always been an outstanding natural resource for the City of Gardner, and its surrounding communities. From ice harvesting, winter ice fishing, and summer recreational activity such as, boating, fishing, and swimming.

Back in the late 1970's an invasive water plant (Water Milfoil) found its way into the pond. It began blooming and growing at an alarming rate. Along with this invasion, a study performed by the University of Massachusetts discovered that algae was also growing and flourishing in the pond. Kendall Pond had reached crisis mode, and action needed to be taken.

In September of 1984, a group of property owners met to discuss what, if anything could be done to save the pond. Out of that meeting, the Kendall Pond Betterment Association was formed with the endeavor to keep Kendall Pond as one of the State of Massachusetts' natural resources.

The Association reached out to Council President, Rosaire St. Jean for the city's assistance in attaining this endeavor.

"Our goal is to rid Kendall Pond of invasive weeds and algae, that if not treated, would multiply to such a magnitude that they would turn Kendall Pond into Kendall Bog. KPBA will do anything in its power to curtail this from happening, but we may require the assistance from the City of Gardner, or the State of Massachusetts to do so. We hope that you will be supportive of this endeavor, and we look forward to working with you to keep Kendall Pond the outstanding natural resource that it is."

Since the inception of KPBA, Kendall Pond has been holding its own as one of the Great Ponds in Massachusetts, defined as any Pond or Lake that has more than 10 acres in its natural state.

The KPBA membership bears the entire cost of the water treatment program, which has risen to over $8,000 per year.

In order to help alleviate some of the financial burden, last year the Association co-sponsored a fireworks display over the pond to celebrate the 4th of July, and the 237th anniversary of Gardner's founding. Local area businesses and individuals showed their support through donations, and purchasing raffle tickets, which helped the Association defray the cost of the water treatment program.

Going forward, the KPBA hopes to annually co-sponsor this event with the City of Gardner, the Lithuanian Outing Association, and the Polish American Citizens Club. We will continue with our endeavor to maintain this outstanding natural resource as a prime recreational area for the residents of Gardner, and its surrounding communities.