With No Beach, Swimmers Crammed in at Walden

Walden Pond last week was a treat for swimmers enduring the sweltering heat and humidity around Boston, but the water has not ebbed sufficiently to allow the state park to open fully.

Parking is still reduced by half, and the trail around the pond is closed.

Any work to repair the erosion or other problems caused by the flooding will have to wait until the water recedes, according to the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.

The department has hired divers to remove materials and structures under the water in the beach areas that could be hazardous to swimmers.

The pond is a kettle hole type body of water that was formed by a giant glacier melting in one spot with no way for the overflow to drain into the groundwater, similar to the ponds on Cape Cod. Kettle holes are deep. They are different from lakes that form from glacial runoff from mountains.

The state is allowing fewer people into the park on Route 126 in Concord. Those swimmers enjoyed the water while they could.

These photos were taken July 6.