Updated: Stoddard Park Reopened for Swimming Thursday

After being closed on Tuesday due to a high bacteria count, 's beach was reopened for swimming on Thursday afternoon.

After conducting its weekly test Monday morning, the found the beach exceeded the 235 colony per 100 mL limit for E. coli bacteria, said Health Director Ann McCobb Wednesday.

Those results came back Tuesday afternoon, showing 344 colonies per mL, which forced the immediate closure of the beach. Stoddard Park was re-tested Wednesday, with Thursday afternoon's results showing only 128 colonies.

McCobb said no reason could be given for the high bacteria count until the results come back, but she said counts typically rise following rain storms.

Another factor in the Stoddard's high count may be geese and ducks, which frequent that beach but are rare at Pleasure Point.

, meanwhile, tested within an acceptable level and is still open. Both Stoddard Park and Pleasure Point had been tested twice each this month, with neither registering a high reading until Monday.

Both beaches will have another routine test on Tuesday following the long weekend.

"There are a lot of factors that could go into (Monday's high bacteria reading)," said McCobb Thursday. "But we're quite happy with the way it worked out. The temperature is supposed to get into the mid 80s this weekend."

Luckily for the Parks and Recreation Department, the problem was resolved in time for the town's Monday.

Gates will open at 9 a.m. and the entertainment starts at noon. Residents are invited to pack a picnic, bring chairs and spend the day at the park. The event is free and no beach pass is required but only Holliston residents may attend.

Attendees are asked to bring goods for the Holliston Food Pantry or a monetary donation to the Greg Bruno, Timmy O’Connell or Joey Larracey scholarship programs.

The Holliston band Momentum leads off the musical lineup at noon with magician Scott Jameson following at 1:15. Erica Leigh will take the stage at 2 p.m., Steve Roberson goes on at 3:15 and Groove Tusk will close out the show starting at 4:15 p.m.

Residents can call the at 508-429-2149 or visit the Department's website at www.townofholliston.us/park.htm.