New Shannon Beach Bathhouse Opens In Winchester

WINCHESTER, MA — Construction on a new clean-energy bathhouse at Mystic Lakes in Winchester is complete. State officials joined the family of the late state Sen. Charles E. Shannon to celebrate the milestone at the Shannon Beach Bathhouse this week.

“Shannon Beach is an exciting example of how we can use state properties to power our clean energy transition,” Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said in a statement. “This new facility is equipped with solar panels, on-site battery storage, and other upgrades to achieve net-zero emissions.”

The bathhouse was also designed to be universally accessible.

“(The Department of Conservation and Recreation) aims to ensure equity, and inclusion so that every resident and visitor has access to our beautiful beaches and parks,” DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo said in a statement.

Shannon Beach, formerly known as Sandy Beach, is on the Upper Mystic Lakes and is a popular place for recreation, swimming, and picnicking. The beach was renamed in 2008 for the late state Sen. Charles E. Shannon. Shannon represented the area for nearly 15 years until his passing in 2005 and was known for his leadership and kindness, according to a statement.

The original bathhouse at Sandy Beach was constructed in 1954. The building was demolished about 10 years ago after falling into disrepair.

Construction on the new bathhouse began in April 2022 and was completed in May. The facility now includes modern restrooms, a family restroom, and outdoor rinse stations. An extensive field, a new playground, picnic areas, and walking trails surround the area.

The beach is now universally accessible, with accessible paths from parking to the beach and the adjacent shoreline picnic grove.

This new facility was designed to meet climate resiliency, ecology, and energy efficiency goals, using solar panels and battery storage that achieve net-zero emissions, according to the statement.

The building also includes all LED lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and de-stratification fans designed to reduce energy consumption, minimize water consumption, and improve indoor air quality.