Lake Parsippany marks its 75th anniversary
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| PARSIPPANY -- It wasn't exactly a beach at the Jersey Shore, but the
events on Lake Parsippany sure made it feel like one. Hundreds visited the beaches here Saturday afternoon to mark the lake's 75th anniversary on the hottest and most humid day so far this year. Visitors either worked on their tans, snacked, signed up to become members of the lake association or checked out the dragon boat races that were taking place. The New Jersey Dragon Boat Club calls Lake Parsippany home, serving as the organization's training ground. The boats essentially are long canoes with a Chinese dragon at each boat tip. The group's annual dragon boat "christening" took place Saturday, with the moving boats serving as memorials for people with breast cancer. Carnations were then thrown into the lake. A total of 36 individuals participated, said Ellen Law, a founder and coach of the dragon boat club. One dragon boat participant, Ted Himlan of Fanwood, has been dragon boat racing for seven years. "It is a lot of fun," he said. "It's good exercise." Activities like the one at Lake Parsippany, Law said, help the club, which has about 50 members, gain exposure. She said dragon boat racing, which involves paddling as opposed to rowing, is good exercise for breast cancer patients following surgery. "It's a low-impact activity and helps them deal with their emotions," Law said. "It's a very tough time after the surgery." Team S.O.S. was formed to raise awareness. S.O.S. stands for "Save Our Sisters." Besides watching the dragon boat races, children played on swings or in the inflatable castle nearby or simply buried their bodies in the sand, while adults sunbathed or sat in the shade as the deejay played such songs as U2's "Beautiful Day" and "Margaritaville" by Jimmy Buffet. For Bill Sempier, president of Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association, the anniversary day was very pleasant. "It brings a lot to the community," Sempier said. "There are not a whole lot of places with a lake in your backyard." The 160-acre lake consists of three breaches: Drewes, Hofman and Johnson. It has served as a good day trip spot, with the association's 600 members coming by to take a swim, sail or fish. Every season, the lake participates in good-natured contests with other lakes within the 10-mile radius, known as hub lakes. In the past few years, Sempier said extensive renovations took place around Lake Parsippany, including a major dredging project, replacement of bulkheads, a new volleyball court at Drewes Beach and new boat ramps. In 2002, the lake purchased the Beach Pub and converted the bar into a clubhouse, offering activities like scrapbooking, horseshoes, volleyball, softball and concerts. The lake has an annual operating budget of $140,000, of which $32,000 is spent on water treatment. The state Health Department tests the water every week to make sure its safe and devoid of algae. Residents enjoyed their Saturday at the beach. "It's close, just right around the corner," said Frank Belfiore, 34, a five-year Parsippany resident. He said he finally decided to become a member of the beach. He purchased the $325 family membership. Another member, Al Chambers, 44, said he and his five children look forward to the campout sessions. His youngest son, Thomas, 3, had just come back from a dip in the lake, as evidenced by his dripping wetsuit. "I swam in the water and saw the (dragon) boat," Thomas Chambers said when asked about what he did. When asked if he had a good time, he nodded yes. Minhaj Hassan can be reached at (973) 267-9038 or mhassan@gannett.com. |
