Save Packard Pond before it’s gone!

Friendly town neighbors and guests,
Packard Pond, located in North Orange, Massachusetts is home to many community members. Packard Heights Association, made up of a small group of local residents, was formed more than 50 years ago in order to help preserve the pond and surrounding area. They are a non profit association. This year the association could use your help. 

For over 30 years this association has also hosted a mini triathlon at the pond with entry fees contributing to annual costs for upkeep of pond. There was no triathlon this year to help even in a small way towards costs needed this year. 

Though you may not be a resident in Packard Heights or a member of the association,  you may have family who live there, you may have been invited to soak up the sun on the private beach, swim in the clean water, or enjoy a BBQ at your friends house in the area while your kids splashed around giddily. You may have been invited to go fishing, canoeing or kayaking by a relative or friend in the area. Perhaps a friends pontoon boat on Packard Pond was a relaxing treat. You may have rented a cabin for a weekend or week and enjoyed it’s pleasures. 

Most recently many have seen news coverage and photos from Orange Fire Rescue and local neighbors videos of the National Guard helicopter making 32 drops at 450 gallons a time from Packard Pond to be dropped over a brushfire on MountTully less than a mile away.  Mount Tully is frequently visited to hike.  It was most unfortunate to hear of a fire on the mountain. All of us residents are thankful to crew members who worked tirelessly and to have the pond nearby for such an emergency.  

Most of North Orange residents depend on water being pumped if ever an emergency of fire as hydrants are not available. There are no hydrants in the North Orange area and PackardPond is a static water source that can be utilized to drafted from if needed. 

Packard Pond’s contribution to the area is more than just what the blessed residents of the area enjoy. 

Packard Pond is one of North Orange’s treasures. It’s wildlife, and beauty is part of this community’s heartbeat. 

Take a look from the pond and Mount Tully is emphasized. Mt. Tully has a 22 mile loop of hiking trails that attracts visitors. 

The property values in this area brings in tax revenue for the community. If property values are decreased from irreparable damage the town of Orange would receive less tax revenue to fund community. 

And although costs to care for Packard Pond and it’s surrounding area are usually covered by association members  annually to test the water quality, cover annual operating expenses, liability insurance, permits, taxes, and dam inspections- this year we face the possibility of losing our beloved pond if money isn’t available to fund the task. 

Packard Pond has an immediate critical need to replace the outlet dam sluice gate and operating system. The dam is imperative to enjoy the pond. If there were a breach of the dam, it could catastrophically drop the level of the lake, severely lower property values, and cause irreparable damage downstream. 

The town can’t afford anymore loss to property values. 

The current condition of the dam leaves it unable to open or close currently because it has eroded so much and needs inevitable repair. This needs to be fixed as soon as possible and will not make the winter.


 The association has made every attempt to find alternatives, get quotes for repairs and find volunteers where they could. There are no possible grants. There’s no way of taking out a loan. The association has run out of options. 

Time is of the essence. 

The project is estimated between $40,000. -   $48,000.

on site engineer- $3,000. 

installer- $30,000. 

construct gate mechanism and trash rack-
$6,605.00

* contingency @ 20% -$7,921.00
(contingency fee is for any unexpected challenges, for example may need a new coffee dam constructed)

This is the best quote for the job the association has been offered. 

 

The cost is too much for the association members  to bear alone in a short amount of time. Especially as we know many people have lost income since Covid 19 and many are on a fixed income.  Hard times for so many. 

If the Packard Heights Association could raise $20,000. it would help tremendously. Members of the association would still have to come up with the remaining 20-28k. 

It is imperative that this project happen quickly this fall before winter hits. 50% of the costs needs to be put down to start the job with the remaining half due upon completion 2 weeks after. 

This pond attracts guests and visitors to stay in local cottages and enjoy kayaking and fishing, hike Tully Mountain, and dine out in the community . 

This need is not sensationalized or over stated. In order to keep water in the pond and have ahealthy pond this has to be done. 

 

Please, any donation amount will be greatly appreciated to help towards this emergency cost so we can keep historical landmark, Packard Pond, in North Orange. This town can not afford to lose anymore.  I ask you to please support this cause for the community and it’s members.