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: Open Dawn to Dusk

Fishing Access (Must have fishing license)

Hiking trails 

Playground BCP Playground 3


Bicentennial Pond: Swim Seasonbcpbeach

Bicentennial Pond

Swimming Season for Summer 2023

2023 Swim Season will be June 24 - August 20

NO Fees for the summer 2023 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.

 Tuesday, 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 is July8th

12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

 Sand Castle Building on the Beach 


Bicentennial Pond Kayak Use

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


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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.