Natick Plans Floating Walkway To Connect Pickerel Pond Trails

NATICK — The town is moving forward with a 195-foot floating walkway across Pickerel Pond that would connect two separate trail systems, according to a MetroWest Daily News report published Tuesday. The project comes as Natick eased its drought status this week, and a Natick Patch item flagged a new Vietnamese restaurant set to open in town this fall.

TOWN HALL

The town's drought status was lowered to Level 2 (significant drought) on August 7, according to Natick's official News Flash. Nonessential outdoor water use remains banned under the new designation, but the change now permits hand watering, offering residents some relief in managing lawns and gardens as the summer continues.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

"Floating walkway planned for Natick's Pickerel Pond. What to know": MetroWest Daily News reports the town plans to build a 195-foot floating walkway across Pickerel Pond, linking two of Natick's trail systems for hikers and walkers. (read it at https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/news/environment/2026/08/11/natick-ma-will-build-floating-walkway-on-pickerel-pond-to-connect-trails/91127970007/)

"10 Restaurants Opening In MA This Fall": Natick Patch reports that Nhau, a new Vietnamese restaurant centered on shared dishes and drinks, is among ten restaurants slated to open across Massachusetts this fall, with a location planned in Natick. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/across-ma/10-restaurants-opening-ma-fall)

Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.