The Lake Maspenock Preservation Association helps keep the lake beautiful and ready to be enjoyed via a variety of recreational activities.

A body of water bound by the communities of Hopkinton, Upton and Milford has been creating special memories for so many residing on or near the lake. Families and individuals have enjoyed countless hours of swimming, boating and fishing throughout the 250-acre property that is centered around Lake Maspenock. And members of the Lake Maspenock Preservation Association (LMPA) have been helping to uphold all that is good about the lake.

“Our mission is to preserve and protect the lake and watershed and create a sense of community, said LMPA president Drew Logan.

By that, Logan means raising awareness and educating residents about the lake’s water quality, encouraging safety and providing fun programs for many to enjoy.

A big focus of the nonprofit association has been its water testing that is independent of the town’s testing.

“We test for phosphorus and E. coli several times a year in four different locations. The water quality here is very, very good,” said LMPA secretary Patty Holland.

Another initiative the LMPA is involved in is the lake’s weed control. Members of the association sit on a Weed Management and Control Advisory Group. Posted on the association’s website (LMPA.org) is educational material for the community concerning treatment resources and weed management guidelines that helps preserves the lake’s water.

The group also organizes an annual spring cleanup day when volunteers walk throughout the lake’s property picking up trash to keep the area looking its best.

LMPA treasurer Tina MacConnell said the wildlife around the lake is something to see and includes beautiful cranes, turtles and of course the famous eagle whose nest is located on Crocket Road. And don’t forget about the multitude of fish.

“The fishing on the lake is wonderful,” MacConnell said. “The water is healthy, so the fishing is healthy.”

Tragically, there were two recent drownings on Lake Maspenock within 10 months of each other. A 17-year-old drowned during last September’s Labor Day weekend near the dam, and in June a 9-year-old drowned at Sandy Beach. The LMPA has been working with public safety officials and Hopkinton’s Parks and Recreation Department to brainstorm ideas concerning water safety.

“We have quite a long list of what we’d like to accomplish,” Logan said.

There also is a wealth of information on the LMPA website and Facebook page about boat safety as well as ice safety during the winter months. Most recently, the association promoted free boat inspections by the U.S. Coast Guard that took place in early July.

The LMPA also sponsors an annual July 4 boat parade that has been a longtime tradition around the lake. In addition, a cornhole tournament (July 27) and a chili cookoff/tailgate event are on the association’s calendar of upcoming events.

The LMPA is always looking for more members who have a vested interest in Lake Maspenock. For more information, visit the group’s website at LMPA.org.