City Issues Swim Warning as Onota Lake Goes Without Lifeguards
The City of Pittsfield has issued a swim warning for Onota Lake at Burbank Park after failing to fill lifeguard positions ahead of the summer season, meaning there will be no lifeguards on duty at the popular swimming spot this year, according to a report by Western Mass News.
TOWN HALL
City officials confirmed the lifeguard shortage leaves Burbank Park's Onota Lake beach unguarded for the summer, prompting the public swim warning, Western Mass News reported. No additional details on staffing plans or a timeline for resolving the shortfall were included in available reporting.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
Arrowhead, the Pittsfield home of author Herman Melville, is hosting a show centered on Melville's final novel, according to a Berkshire Eagle item circulating this week. The exhibit ties into the site's ongoing literary programming honoring the author's legacy in the city.
Earlier in the week, a book signing at a Pittsfield-area venue spotlighted suffragist Victoria Woodhull, per a Berkshire Eagle community news item. Additionally, a benefit concert headlined by cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Emanuel Ax was reported in connection with Berkshire Theatre Group and Berkshire Preservation Inc., according to the Berkshire Eagle.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Pittsfield issues swim warning at Onota Lake after lifeguard positions go unfilled" — Western Mass News reports the city will have no lifeguards present at Burbank Park's lake this summer due to unfilled staffing. (read it at https://www.westernmassnews.com/2026/07/09/pittsfield-issues-swim-warning-onota-lake-after-lifeguard-positions-go-unfilled/)
"Pittsfield: Arrowhead hosts show on Melville's final novel" — The Berkshire Eagle covers a new exhibition at the Melville historic site examining the author's last work. (read it at https://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/community-news/pittsfield-arrowhead-hosts-show-on-melvilles-final-novel/article_bb3f4467-fd02-4100-b883-347a7628dc6f.html)
"Pittsfield: Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax headline benefit concert" — The Berkshire Eagle reports the renowned musicians will headline a benefit performance tied to local arts and preservation groups. (read it at https://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/community-news/pittsfield-yo-yo-ma-emanuel-ax-headline-benefit-concert/article_dbc18d20-53a0-4b52-8025-f690b700462d.html)
"Pittsfield: Book signing spotlights suffragist Victoria Woodhull" — The Berkshire Eagle reports on a community book event highlighting the historical suffragist's story. (read it at https://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/community-news/pittsfield-book-signing-spotlights-suffragist-victoria-woodhull/article_dabd49d8-7b85-4da7-a66a-a8deb8f6ce44.html)
"What's the perfect American hot dog? Depends where you grew up" — The Daily Herald profiles Pittsfield's local hot dog culture, including longtime cook Jordan Adams at Hot Dog Ranch. (read it at https://www.dailyherald.com/20260707/food/whats-the-perfect-american-hot-dog-depends-where-you-grew-up/)