Welcome to the official site of the BIG Alum Lake Association; BALA. For those of us lucky enough to live around the shores of this beautifully pristine Massachusetts Great Pond, the stewardship of maintaining the lake’s sparkling, clear water and supporting the community of neighbors and visitors who enjoy these waters falls to us. This is the twin mission of BALA.
BALA is a non-profit, volunteer organization that, through its membership dues, fundraising efforts, and volunteers’ time, helps keep the lake clear of invasive weeds, algae, and other pollutants that can deteriorate water quality. Working alongside the Sturbridge Conservation Commission and Sturbridge Lakes Advisory Committee, our goal is to maintain the treed shoreline and clear waters of this lake in as close an ecological state today as it was when Native Americans lived here and called it Pookhookapaug Pond.
Our lake community is vibrant and steeped in the tradition of Big Alum Lake. Many residents’ family ties go back 50 years or more, spanning generations of lake living. Sturbridge’s central location has attracted many new residents over the years, some of whom now live here full-time or part-time. On any given day, you can see neighbors walking the shore roads or circumnavigating the pond by boat or barge. At BALA, we strive to bring as many neighbors together as possible to enjoy our lake community. Year-round activities, such as the BALA GALA, Winter Ugly Sweater Dinner, and summer Raft-Up lake parties, create a congenial community environment that makes living on the lake so special.
Please enjoy our site, explore our lake history, learn about our committees, and get to know Big Alum on a deeper level. You’ll be glad you did.
BALA Board of Directors