Walden Pond beach to close for the summer due to construction

The main beach at the Walden Pond State Reservation in Concord will close this summer as the construction of a new bathhouse continues, the state announced.

Construction at the popular swimming spot began in winter. The Department of Conservation and Recreation said it "cannot safely open" the beach to visitors this season.

Red Cross Beach at Walden will be open to visitors but will not have lifeguards stationed. Parking around the reservation will also be limited because of the construction.

The $6.1 million project will replace the existing bathhouse, which isn't ADA-compliant. Bathrooms, stairs and entrances around the building are not accessible, according to a project update from November.

DCR said the new bathhouse will be completed by this fall.