Ashland state park

Yep, I just swam there yesterday it was warm w/wetsuit but real green and murky. I swam away from the dog/stick throwing groups...it was crowded! Just park and walk down as gates are not open yet

Not sure if you're supposed to do this but I park at the Warren Center and swim from the beach on that side. For some reason it just looks cleaner over there, then at the State Park beach.

Usually I swim in Sherborn though. Much better water and not far from Ashland.

I'm doing the Ashland sprint there next weekend. I guess it goes from the state beach? Should it be wetsuit legal? Where in Sherborne do you swim?

I WAS going to do the Ashland Tri but now doing Marlboro this weekend. I believe the swim is on the other side from the state beach as the run and bike route are from the Warren conference center.

I WAS going to do the Ashland Tri but now doing Marlboro this weekend. I believe the swim is on the other side from the state beach as the run and bike route are from the Warren conference center.

If I'm healthy enough (dealing with multiple injuries) i'm doing the ashland tri as well. I was planning on using a wetsuit (if I don't get my in the water this week it may be my first open water swim ).

I've done the Ashland tri Oly and Sprint and live less than a mile from the Warren Center. The poster that said it is on the opposite side from the State Park is correct. There's a small (very small) beach at the Warren Center, and that is where the swim is. There's a long trek through the woods and then across a field to transition (I left water shoes on the beach for the transition run). The trail (if you can call it that) has many roots and rocks.

Oh and I swim at Farm Pond in Sherborn. It's technically a private pond (you have to be a resident and have a pass) but there are triathletes and swimmers that use it early in the morning.

Oh and it will definitely be wetsuit legal. Water's not that warm yet.

So, the race is held out of the Warren center and not the state park? Where do they fit the transition areas for both and Oly and Sprint at the same time? From google maps, doesn't look like there's any parking? Is it a well run race?

It is a strange layout but it works and yes it is a well run race. It's rained on race day for as many years as I can remember and they still pull it off. This is coming from someone who's not a huge fan of FIRM races.
It is at the Warren Center but you can not park in the Warren Center paved lots. They have you park on the huge field right next to transition. Transition is in the field next to the tennis courts (right next to the road but about 1/4 mile from the swim). There's amble room in transition for Oly and sprint people.
The only thing worth worrying about is the run to T1. Like I said its a 1/4 mile run (at least) through the woods. Be prepared for slow transition time. Personally I didn't mind it because it gets your legs prepped for the bike.
Good luck. There shouldn't be parking issues (field is huge) but if there is feel free to PM me, I live a half mile from the Warren Center and you can park in my driveway (I won't be home).

Do they close or partially block off any of the roads for the Ashland race?

I don't know if they close roads but Ashland will be my first of the season.  I'm looking forward to it.  

They did not block off roads in previous years. They do have police at all corners/intersections. This will be the first year there is sun at that race in a long time.

I may swim from the Warren Center tomorrow morning if anyone wants to join me. I am pretty sure the race buoys aren't up yet (i'm not racing this weekend) but I'll most likely go there anyway.