Sunrise on Reservoir Pond
Blog #2 by Will Reason

As I paddled through its placid morning waters, the sheer magnitude of Canton’s Reservoir Pond struck me. About a mile across at its broadest, the pond, which connects to the Neponset River via the Pequit Brook, sat there peacefully and invitingly. Ringed by houses and motorboats that hinted at a noisier existence come midday, the pond was both serene and unexplored at 5:45 a.m.

The soft orange orb of the rising sun melted slowly on the water, festooning the tame ripples with ribbons and patches of vibrant color. I pointed my kayak straight into the central streak of sunlight and paddled hard towards the opposite shore.

Day continued to break and with it the sun became more piercing, spoiling the breathtaking spectacle of dawn but illuminating the pond’s subtler beauty.

For instance, when I finally reached the other shore, I found myself in a small forest of pond grass with stalks rising six or seven feet from the water’s surface. Its perimeter was marked by clusters of lily pads, many sporting white and pink flowers in full summer bloom. Tucked away in a cove across the pond, this small area was the highlight of the outing.

With all of the surrounding houses, I’m sure the pond is well-trafficked later in the day, but I’m okay with that. Its size and prime location make it a potential mecca for outdoor recreation in the Boston area.

And while most of the boat traffic at the moment probably comes from people living along the shore, encouraging public use (ideally of the non-motorized variety) could get people outside and raise greater awareness and appreciation for the pockets of green space scattered throughout Greater Boston.

Excitingly, the town of Canton has drawn up plans to improve the boat launch and develop the adjacent shoreline for the public’s benefit. These beautiful areas, whether secluded or popular, should — and can — be both enjoyed and protected.

About the author: Will Reason is a rising senior at Boston University Academy, who writes about his experiences exploring the Neponset River and its watershed. His series highlights a different area of the watershed with each installment. He hopes to inspire readers to enjoy and help protect this fabulous urban waterway.