Parker Pond Dam

WILDER BROOK FROM THE NORTH AND PERLEY BROOK FROM THE SOUTH· Worcester, Massachusetts· Built 2002· Earth· 20 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Parker Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 2002 and is 24 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 69.5% in MA)
Dam Length690 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage450 acre-ft
Normal Storage235 acre-ft
Surface Area29 acres
Drainage Area7 sq mi
Year Completed2002 (24 years old)
NID IDMA00928

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: April 8, 2014
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

CITY OF GARDNER

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Parker Pond Dam?

Parker Pond Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Parker Pond Dam?

Parker Pond Dam is owned by CITY OF GARDNER (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Parker Pond Dam built?

Parker Pond Dam was completed in 2002, making it 24 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Parker Pond Dam?

Parker Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Parker Pond Dam?

Parker Pond Dam has a dam height of 20 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Parker Pond Dam last inspected?

Parker Pond Dam was last inspected on April 8, 2014. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.