lake gardner

I like going to lake gardner but I'd rather go somewhere where there is noone telling me where I can put my paddleboard in. I think it's ridiculous I have to go to the end of the beach to put in. Also the lifeguards not letting children have any floatation devices . I've seen other kids get away with it different days and it angers me. Seriously I like it better when the lifeguards are not there . The beach is better. If you wanna go to a lake where you can't do anything go to lake gardner . I only go sometimes because I live so close . Can't wait till sept!

I've been coming to this lake for two years and was just reprimanded for letting my 4 year old with Autisim wear her floatations device because it has a swim ring in it. The life guard would rather have her wear no device ( she cannot swim) than this one that connects on the bottom and it a life saving device . I am beyond upset and absolutely will let all parents know this is not the place to bring your children. For two years and have never been reprimanded for using this device which she loves and feels safe in. A few minutes ago children were yelled at for playing frisbee . What kind of place is this? Endangering a special needs child life because it looks like a ring? This is not ok with me.

Lake Gardner is best when it's not beach / swim season as you can enjoy the natural beauty, and hike the paths to Battis Farm.In the summer months its a good spot to bring small children, early in the season while the water quality is still good. Towards August it sometimes is closed due to poor water quality. The rusty tinged water is actually ok. Looks worse than it is. Most week days, Lake Gardner is a low key place filled with little kids playing and moms chatting. Middle school kids may enjoy this, but beyond that its too dull! The town learn to swim program runs here. Kayaks and canoes can be seen. Beware the weekend, when an influx of people from other towns crowd in, and the whole character changes! I made the mistake of bringing my kids there one suddenly hot weekend day and couldn't get out fast enough due to the loud, obnoxious crowd.Fall is gorgeous here. Paths leading from the right side of the beach go to Amesbury conservation land.

What more could you want. Most locals do not want to go there because of the color of the water. Let me tell you there is nothing wrong with the water. If you look close the sand has a lot of minierals in it and that is what gives it the sparkly look and tea color. I have never had a bathing suit or towel turn yellow. The sand is not sand castle quality but we go for the calm water, easy and free parking, life guards and available bathrooms... did I mention there are trees too... shade - think of it - that's something you don't get at the beach unless you bring an umbrella after paying a fee just to park where the bathrooms are either non existent or what seems like a mile away! Plenty of little ones all playing and learning how to swim. Not to many teenagers. Great place for mom's to bring baby for a cool dip.... NOTES - you can wear swimmies and life jackets but you cannot use pool like floatation devices! Dogs cannot be on the beach area. There is access to a way in for boating or paddle boarding. Ice cream trucks come by frequently (we don't buy from them we pack our own snacks). Police frequently check with the lifeguards to see if there is any trouble to report.