As the Norwalk River's course turns southward, its flow is increased by the water from Great Pond. This is one of the purest lakes in the state of Connecticut, since it gets no polluted runoff from highways or private lawns. Most of its water comes from subsurface springs, which keep it full even in the worst droughts. An effort is underway to preserve this lake's purity (see this site).

In the 1700's the Great Pond was entirely within Redding, but most of it was transferred to Ridgefield in 1786 when the town boundaries were straightened. In 1970, a public beach was donated to the town of Ridgefield by the extraordinary philanthropist, Francis D. Martin. The lake itself is currently being bought by the town or Ridgefield from the Gilbert and Bennett Corporation (for $150,000).



The Great Pond and Martin Park (foreground).


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