Martin Park Beach
Ridgefield, Connecticut · on Norwalk River · Martin Park (Great Pond)
Verified · 3 independent sources
- WATER
- pond
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- Yes, see below
- SEASON
- Seasonal: open daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
About Martin Park Beach
Martin Park Beach is a town-run swimming beach in Ridgefield, Connecticut, built around Great Pond, a small spring-fed pond that serves as the town's official swimming hole. It operates as a fee-based municipal beach with lifeguards, seasonal hours, and family water-recreation amenities, one of Ridgefield's designated places to swim.
The beach sits within Martin Park at 19 Great Pond Road in Ridgefield, centered on Great Pond, described by the town as a natural, spring-fed pond. Visitor reviews characterize the setting as quiet and scenic, with one calling it a peaceful 'secret getaway.'
Swimming at Martin Park Beach
Swimming takes place in the spring-fed water of Great Pond at a sandy, lifeguard-staffed beach. The town markets the water as safe and refreshing for summer swimming, and the setup (roped swim area, lifeguards, water slides/inflatables) suits families and casual swimmers rather than open-water or adventure swimmers.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. Martin Park Beach is a drive-up municipal beach facility on Great Pond Rd; swimmers walk directly from the parking/entrance area to the sandy beach with no trail involved.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
Good for kids
Lifeguard-staffed swim area in a shallow, sandy-bottom spring-fed pond, with a beach, water slides (Zoom Floom, Wibit), water mat, and playground on-site; official description and reviews frame it as a family beach rather than an open-water/adventure spot.
Restrooms
Yes
Bathrooms and showers are on-site at the beach facility, per the town's official amenities list; exact building location within the park not specified in sources found.
Hours
Daily, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (per ctvisit.com listing, consistent with prior enrichment).
On the water
Per the town's official ctvisit.com listing, the beach itself rents kayaks, paddleboards, and paddle boats for use on Great Pond; no mention of personal motorboats, jet skis, or canoes, and no stated restrictions (e.g., electric-only, no-wake) were found.
Rentals nearby
On-site kayak, paddleboard, and paddle boat rentals for use on Great Pond
On-site at the beach, 19 Great Pond Rd, Ridgefield, CT · Daily, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (same as beach operating hours)
What regulars say
Visitors rate this beach highly and repeatedly describe it as a peaceful, low-key spot, with two regulars independently calling it 'my secret getaway.' Several also note strict, frequent lifeguard rule-enforcement during visits, with at least one visitor feeling it 'defeats the purpose of relaxing.'
Martin Park Beach: FAQ
Does Martin Park Beach charge a fee?
Requires a beach pass; season and day passes are sold to both residents and non-residents. The Parks & Recreation department has specifically noted that walk-up/drop-in admission is not available around the Fourth of July, so passes must be purchased in advance.
Is Martin Park Beach kid friendly?
Lifeguard-staffed swim area in a shallow, sandy-bottom spring-fed pond, with a beach, water slides (Zoom Floom, Wibit), water mat, and playground on-site; official description and reviews frame it as a family beach rather than an open-water/adventure spot.
Do I need to hike to reach Martin Park Beach?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Martin Park Beach?
No source found specifying lot size, location, or cost; the beach is accessed by car via Great Pond Rd, Ridgefield, CT 06877, but parking specifics could not be confirmed.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Martin Park Beach?
Per the town's official ctvisit.com listing, the beach itself rents kayaks, paddleboards, and paddle boats for use on Great Pond; no mention of personal motorboats, jet skis, or canoes, and no stated restrictions (e.g., electric-only, no-wake) were found.
When is the best time to visit Martin Park Beach?
Seasonal: open daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
What are the rules at Martin Park Beach?
Lifeguard-staffed and rule-enforced during operating hours; reviewers describe active whistle-enforcement of beach rules by lifeguard staff.
What water body is Martin Park Beach on?
Martin Park Beach is on Norwalk River, a natural pond verified in USGS hydrography data.
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