2009 population: 25,185
41°59′25″N 70°58′32″W
According to the United States Census Bureau, the Bridgewater, MA has a total area of 28.2 square miles, of which, 27.5 square miles of our land and 0.7 square miles (2.62%) is water. Neighborhoods in Bridgewater include Stanley, Scotland, Pratt Town (Paper Mill Village), and South Bridgewater. Bridgewater lies along the Taunton River. Lake Nippenicket, along the western edge of the town, is the largest body of water. There is also a state forest, a town forest, several conservation areas and a large portion of the Hockomock Swamp Wildlife Management Area.
Bridgewater governed by seven precinct councilors, 1 per precinct, and 2 at large councilors, with an appointed town manager, assessor, tax collector, for a total of 9 councilors. This change from a 5 person elected board of selectmen to a 9 person town council, happened April 24, 2010, at an annual town meeting, abolishing the town meeting form of government for the town.
As part of the Bridgewater Raynham Regional School District Bridgewater operates it’s own elementary and middle schools and hosts the common high school. Home to Bridgewater State University, originally founded as a teacher’s school in 1840. It is the largest of the state’s nine state universities outside of the University of Massachusetts system.
Bridgewater has its own police, fire, and recreation departments. It also has a public library and a housing authority. In order to serve the needs of businesses in Bridgewater, there exists the Bridgewater Business Association, a non-profit that serves the business needs of the Bridgewater community.
The Bridgewater BuzzAround e-Newsletter launched October 2010.
