New infrastructure and signage have been installed at Deep Hole, the popular swimming hole on the Peter’s Kill in Accord.

The land was recently bought by Dan Getman of Spirit Circle LLC. He and about 20 neighbors have come together as Deep Hole stewards to keep the spot pristine and open to the public.

As a group, they agreed on a set of rules, which are now posted on the swimming hole property. Recorded music, fires, and barbecues are prohibited, along with generators, tents, and hunting and fishing equipment. Due to previous problems with dog poop and dirty diapers, dogs are only allowed before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. The stewards have established a carry in/carry out policy, encouraging visitors to leave no trace and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

“It’s great to see so many neighbors coming together to keep this clean and peaceful!” said Deep Hole steward Zena Nason, a longtime resident in the area. “I have been coming here for years with my children and now my grandchildren. What an amazing gift we have all been given, working together to be stewards of the land for now and future generations.”

The swimming hole also has a new parking lot across the street. Getman constructed it to prevent visitors from pulling off the road to park, which was causing erosion and roadside degradation. The parking lot gate will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Neighbors have cleared an access trail to the river, with two handicapped parking spaces next to the water.

“I am so thankful for the community involvement,” said Getman. “All our work is designed to ensure public access to Deep Hole in a safe manner for everyone, including the plants, animals, and waters of the Peter’s Kill, in perpetuity. For many, this is a profound place to connect with nature. When people come to Deep Hole, they are agreeing to help steward the land and waters, follow the rules, and respect each other.”