PreviousNext

Ways to Cool Off this Summer

Enjoy the splash pad at Noel Field in North Adams.

It's going to be hot this week, and if you'd like to beat that summer heat, here are some places to enjoy. Make sure to get outside during the tail end of summer and enjoy some of the water the Berkshires has to offer.

Clapp Park

Pittsfield

Clapp Park is a great area for little ones and even adults to cool off. The splash pads located behind the field are turned on daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Spend some time in the water as well as the small playground located next to it. Make sure to bring some sunscreen!

Noel Field Athletic Complex Splash Pad

North Adams

The splash pad is another great splash pad in the city where you can enjoy the water as well as the playground. Located at 298 State St and just a short drive from many places to get an ice cream or cool beverage to relax afterwards.

Lake Mansfield

Great Barrington

Enjoy a day of swimming and sunbathing at the lake this summer. Located by entering through Christian Hill Road. There are also plenty of picnic tables to sit around and enjoy lunch together before heading back into the water.

Burbank Park/ Onota Lake

Pittsfield

Take a day at this beach location and enjoy a swim. You can even catch a fish or take a boat ride out into the lake. The beach also has a toy box for people to use and donate while playing on the sand. 

York Lake

New Marlborough

Enjoy this other family-friendly beach with picnic and grills. You're also welcome to fish or take a kayak out onto the water. It's located at East Hill Road off Route 183. 

Wahconah Falls

Dalton

Located at 1 North Street, enjoy the breathtaking views of a waterfall that's easily accessible. Dip your feet in the water and enjoy the scenery as well at one of the picnic tables on site.

Clarksburg State Park

Clarksburg

Enjoy a day at the Clarksburg campground where you can launch a boat, fish, or even swim at the beach. Enjoy a nice lunch at one of the many picnic tables. The campground also has an abundance of hiking trails through the shaded greenery to explore.

Lenox Town Beach

Lenox

The Lenox town beach is used by residents only but others are able to visit town hall for a pass to go to the beach. At the beach you can enjoy swimming. There is also a covered pavilion to enjoy a nice lunch. Build sandcastles and relax. Just a short drive from the beach you can also launch a boat to enjoy a nice float through Laurel Lake.

Suspect Arraigned in 'Horrific' Dragging Case

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:56PM / Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Complete write-thru 3 p.m., Feb. 18.

District Attorney TimothyShugrue says the community has been 'really upset' by this case. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Hancock man has been charged in last week's gruesome dragging that killed 69-year-old William Colbert. 

 

William Gross, 65, was arraigned in Central Berkshire District Court on Wednesday for negligent motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene. He was arrested Monday after police investigators narrowed down the type of car seen on video at the accident scene. 

 

Police say Colbert had fallen in the road at the Francis Avenue and Linden Street intersection on Feb. 10 before he was struck and dragged nearly four miles. His body was found on West Housatonic Street.

 

Gross is being held on $250,000 cash bail in the Berkshire County House of Corrections. District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said the case will go to a grand jury and foresees additional charges being placed. 

 

"I think this community was really upset by this case," Shugrue said while being interviewed by the press after the morning arraignment.  

 

"It's a horrific case, and the fact that someone was fleeing, and there was someone that was stuck there that could have been treated, and potentially in the initial stages, could have been potentially saved." 

 

Colbert was coming from a house on Francis Avenue about 11:30 on Feb. 10 when fell in the road and had trouble getting up, according to Shugrue.