Lake Surprise has been restored to its former beauty. Located in the Watchung Reservation, Lake Surprise is the largest lake in the Union County Park System and the second largest in Union County. The lake had long suffered from increasing levels of silt due to poor drainage, high usage of the park's bridal trails, commercial wells in Summit that reduced the water flow into the lake and the construction of Route 78.
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Beginning in 1997, the County performed the necessary engineering work to restore the lake. Seasonal factors delayed the project because dredging cannot be done when the lake is dry, or covered with ice, or from April through July due to fish and amphibian breeding seasons. Dredging would have begun last year, but was delayed due to a severe drought. The project was conducted from February to April this year.
"I'm very happy to report that the dredging is complete," said Freeholder Deborah Scanlon, the Freeholder liaison to Parks and Recreation. "We've removed soft, mud and rocks and raised the average depth from four feet to six feet, making the lake a better habitat for fish and other wildlife."
The County can now apply to the state for the $1 million reimbursement for the dredging costs. The state previously agreed to fund the dredging.
"'We've added benches and boaters have returned to the lake," added Freeholder Chester Holmes. "The dredged spoils will be leveled and planted with wildflowers, completing a dramatic transformation of this once-again pristine take and beautiful parkland."
Reprinted from: Union County Directions Fall, 2000
