Williamstown Under Statewide Heat Alert Through July 5 as Lindley Park Reopens
A statewide Unhealthy Heat Alert running through July 5 puts Williamstown residents on notice just as the town heads into its Fourth of July holiday stretch — and the good news is that Margaret Lindley Park's swimming area is back open after a brief bacterial closure, giving families a place to cool off.
TOWN HALL
Massachusetts has issued an Unhealthy Heat Alert covering June 30 through July 5, 2026, and town officials are urging residents to treat the stretch as a serious public-safety event. The alert covers the full holiday week, a period when heat danger can be compounded by outdoor celebrations, reduced services, and neighbors who may be isolated. Officials particularly stress looking in on vulnerable residents — elderly neighbors, young children, and those without air conditioning — reminding the community that heat emergencies unfold quietly, without the warning sirens of a storm.
The timing pairs with welcome news at Margaret Lindley Park: the swimming area that was closed June 24 due to elevated bacterial levels has been cleared and is open again as of June 29. Water quality testing confirmed bacteria counts have returned to safe levels, making the park an option for residents seeking relief during the heat alert.
Residents should also note that Town Hall will be closed Thursday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day.
COMING UP
- Every Wednesday in July, 7:30 a.m. — Free outdoor Fitness Court workout classes at the town Fitness Court. Open to all. - Sunday, July 6 — Deadline for artist submissions to Eyes on Art Town, the streetlight banner project along Spring and Latham Streets run by the Williamstown Cultural District. - Wednesday, July 2, 4–5 p.m. — Berkshire Regional Planning Commission Executive Committee meeting, virtual. - Tuesday, July 8, 5:30–6:30 p.m. — Milne Public Library Trustees meeting, 1095 Main St. - Thursday, July 9, 7–9 p.m. — Conservation Commission hybrid meeting, 31 North Street and Zoom; also streaming on willinet.org and Willinet TV Channel 1303. - Sunday, July 12, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. — Open Farm Day hosted by the Agricultural Commission. Visit local farms for vegetables, meats, eggs, and guided trail hikes. - Monday, July 13, 7–9 p.m. — Select Board hybrid meeting, 31 North Street and Zoom. - Tuesday, July 14, 7–9 p.m. — Planning Board hybrid meeting, 31 North Street and Zoom.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
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