Amherst Closes Puffer's Pond to Swimmers After Bacteria Spike
AMHERST — Amherst closed Puffer's Pond to swimming this week after state health officials found elevated bacteria levels in the water, one of several town moves as the community works through a stretch of extreme summer heat. The closure lands alongside new Level 2 water use restrictions, a new senior services director, and a zoning study tied to Hampshire College's approaching shutdown.
TOWN HALL The town posted a Puffer's Pond swimming advisory and a Level 2 water use restriction notice to its website this week as Amherst copes with extreme summer heat. Cooling centers and several outdoor facilities remain open for residents who need a cool, safe space this season.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman announced the appointment of Daniel Garcia as Amherst's new Director of Senior Services. Garcia is expected to start July 20.
The town is also moving ahead with a zoning study for the Hampshire College campus after the college announced it will cease academic operations after December 2026; officials are developing zoning options for the property's future use. Separately, renovations at the Bangs Community Center — covering health and safety, accessibility, and the Senior Center — are underway, with the building staying open throughout and completion expected in early 2027. Residents can also weigh in on a town survey about cable television service, open through Friday, August 7.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS "Bacteria levels force closure of Puffers Pond in Amherst," Western Mass News reports, detailing how state health officials flagged elevated bacteria at both the Mill Street and State Street swimming areas — a closure the town's own alert page also flagged this week. (read it at https://www.westernmassnews.com/2026/07/17/bacteria-levels-force-closure-puffers-pond-amherst/)
"UMass Amherst researcher developing at-home HIV tests," per Western Mass News, which reports an associate professor at UMass Amherst is developing an at-home HIV testing kit as part of a broader push to expand testing access. (read it at https://www.westernmassnews.com/2026/07/17/umass-amherst-researcher-developing-at-home-hiv-tests/)
COMING UP - Special Town Council and Finance Committee Meeting, public forum on appropriation outside the annual budget: Monday, July 20. - Town Council meets Monday, July 20. - Disability Pride Celebration, per the town's community calendar: Monday, July 20. - Finance Committee of the Town Council meets Tuesday, July 21.