By ED SALVAS
Deal Lake, which winds through seven Monmouth County municipalities, has been named the Third Most Beautiful Lake in New Jersey by PlanetWare, a travel publication.
The magazine was named Lake Hopatcong in Jefferson Township Number One and Lake Carnegie in Princeton Number Two out of the 19 lakes in the state.
In selecting Deal Lake, the publication noted that Deal Lake has had several names, Lake Ulequacks, Great Pond, and Hog Swamp Pond among others. In the late 1800s, it was closed off from the ocean and became more like the lake it is today.
The magazine said, “Over time residents began to recognize its allure – water views, marine life, and nesting birds made its banks more appealing. They began to build upon its shores in droves, choosing a quiet lifestyle over the busy streets of Manhattan. Today, the lake is known for its great fishing as well as being a wonderful spot to dip your oar while piloting a kayak.”
Since 1974, Deal Lake has been cared for by the Deal Lake Commission, a volunteer organization currently headed by Chairman Don Brockel. Each of the seven towns on the lake pays dues according to the amount of shoreline. The lake has 15 miles of lakefront, the average depth is four feet.
Brockel said the lake is very popular with fishermen and also allows motorboats with limited speed west of the railroad tracks. There’s an access ramp in Asbury Park at the corner of Main Street and Seventh Avenue, opposite 7-11. Maintaining the water quality of the lake is a top priority and the commission has benefited from state assistance in the form of grants from the Department of Environmental Protection.
The seven towns bordering the lake are Asbury Park, Deal, Interlaken, Allenhurst, Loch Arbour, Ocean, and Neptune Townships.
A clean-up of the lake is planned for Sat., April 2. Details on the Deal Lake Commission website, www.DealLake.org
