Bicentennial Pond

This pond was created for the 1976 bicentennial. It is the site of recreational activities, including summer swimming, picnicking, and the Parks & Recreation led "Camp Mansfield" summer day camp. If you would like to use the pavilion space at BCP. Please fill out our request form and submit it to the office for approval. 


Free Attractions at Bicentennial Pond: 

Fishing Access (Must have fishing license)

Hiking trails 

Playground BCP Playground 3


Bicentennial Pond: Swim Seasonbcpbeach

Bicentennial Pond

230 Clover Mill Road Storrs/Mansfield, CT 06268

Swimming Season for Summer 2024

2025 Swim Season 

Bicentennial Pond will be opened Saturday June 21st through Sunday August 17th  

NO Fees for the summer 2025 season

Monday - Friday: Swimming time 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Please note: during the week Camp Mansfield also uses the BCP Recreation Area and Pond.

Saturday & Sunday: Swimming times 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

 Friday, July 4th will run on Weekend hours 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

THERE IS NO SWIMMING WHEN LIFEGUARDS ARE NOT ON DUTY

FAMILY FUN DAY @ BCP Saturday August 9th 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Pink Yellow and Turquoise Playful Summer Bash Flyer A4


Bicentennial Pond Rules and Regulations

  • No patrons may go on the beach until a lifeguard is on duty.

  • The pond is guarded during posted times and dates only.

  • Swimmers must stay within the roped areas.

  • BCP is a NON Smoking Facility.

  • Non-motorized boats of any type are allowed outside the roped swimming area ONLY. The occupants(s) must be a proven swimmer and/or have a Coast Guard Approved life vest.  (One per person.)

  • Children 11 years of age or younger must be accompanied and supervised by someone 18 years of age or older.

  • Children 6 years and under must be accompanied into the water by an adult (18 years or older) who is within arms reach.

  • Coast Guard approved life jackets and life vests are permitted during public swim times ONLY and within the swimming area. Any child wearing a life jacket or life vest must be accompanied into the water by an adult 18 years or older and must be within arms reach. No inflatables allowed. Other flotation devices considered at the discretion of the Aquatic Director or Senior Guard.

  • No skin or scuba diving equipment may be used. 

  • No toys, water guns, balls, or any other item deemed unsafe by the lifeguards may be used in the swimming area.

  • No throwing sand, rocks or any objects in the beach area.

  • No sitting in a guard's chair or handling of lifesaving equipment.  

  • Guards must be obeyed at all times.

  • No glass containers of any type are permitted within the beach area and are discouraged from the park in general.

  • No alcoholic beverages allowed in the pond areas and the park as a whole.

  • No animals (dogs, etc) are permitted within the beach area.

  • No hanging on buoy ropes.

  • No vehicles allowed beyond the parking lot.

  • Any other related rule that the person in charge deems necessary to ensure the safety of all patrons.

  • No fishing on the beach area or in the swim area

  • appropriate swimwear must be worn when swimming at the pond




Bicentennial Pond Kayak Use

Kayak Use Times: 3:00p-6:30pm M-F and 12:30p-5:30pm Sat, Sun.


IMG_5589
MPRD Kayaks are available for use at Bicentennial Pond during indicated times. MPRD Kayaks can only be used at Bicentennial Pond by those ages 8 and up, wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved PF, and acknowledges having basic kayaking paddle strokes and rescue techniques.  Areas outside the designated swim areas are not a primary area of supervision by lifeguards and you may not be visible at all times to lifeguards.  Boaters are participating in kayak use at their own risk.  Parents/guardians must read and sign the agreement form for kayak users between the ages of 8-18.


Staff will review and enforce the following safety rules of kayak use with each kayaker at BCP. 


  1. Must wear a properly fitted and secured U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD at all times while in the kayak.

  2. Areas outside the designated swim areas are not a primary area of supervision by lifeguards and you may not be visible at all times to lifeguards.  Kayak use is at own risk.

  3. No horseplay

  4. No intentional flipping, swamping of kayak

  5. No swimming is allowed in outside of designated swim area at any time

  6. No boating allowed inside the designated swim area 

  7. Only names of those listed on kayak use agreement can use the kayak.

  8. Only one participant per kayak 

  9. All concerns with kayak equipment should be reported immediately to the waterfront staff

  10. No docking on shore of pond.  Docking only allowed in designated launch/return area

  11. Watch the weather and return kayaks to designated docking area upon see lightening or hearing thunder or or quickly forming clouds and storms. 

  12. Respond immediately to any designated lifeguard command (i.e. blast of horn or whistle and hand/non-verbal hand commands)

  13. Anyone using a kayak under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult (in a separate kayak) within one kayak length at all times.