Onset Bay Center looks back on a successful year

Though Onset Bay is a bit quieter in the winter months, the echoes of a successful year remain in the countless memories made. 

The Onset Bay Center at 186 Onset Avenue saw over 2,500 participants in outdoor exploration programs, 1,000 swim and ride participants and 2,400 students over the course of 2025. 

The Onset Bay Center, run by the Buzzards Bay Coalition, is a waterfront facility in that offers hands-on environmental education and outdoor recreation. Celebrating five years, center opened in Summer 2020.

Center Director Angie Weldon said the center has been growing every year since its opening. With busy beaches and events dotting the community calendars, the center saw a successful year. 

"We're growing and expanding and being more creative with out programs. We're really listening to the community of what is needed and what services we can provide. I think this year was a great example of that," she said.

Every month brings at least one event to bring the community together, even when Onset Bay gets cold. From themed paddles to dedicated community days, the center stays busy.

"It's great to watch our creativity come to fruition with different activities that we can put on," Weldon said. 

Weldon said having a hand in the various events has been great. Going far beyond recreation, the center has involvement in protecting clean water in communities and educating the youth.

"I'm in an industry where sometimes our work is hard and challenging, but we're often rewarded with those really impactful moments of seeing something you've done have an impact on somebody else," she said.

With 2025 at its end, the center is working on summer activities. With an influx of interested children Weldon said there will be additional summer camp group for 6 to 7-year-olds alongside more swim and water safety lessons. 

"We want to make sure that all the kids that come to us are confident in the water, so that's something I'm looking forward to this summer," she said.