On the water

Another long-discussed potential addition to the lake park’s renewal could be a consistently-operated canoe, kayak, rowboat and paddleboat rental operation. (Courtesy Photo)

Improvements continue at Hammonton Lake Park, which is returning to its previous status as a recreation destination.

From enjoying the lake park’s natural beauty to athletics to senior activities to live music to reunions, Hammonton Lake Park is seeing a lot more use. Further improvements to the park are planned, joining other improvements made during the last 15 years, including the Hammonton Canoe Club building on the shores of the lake and the Kiwanis Community Complex area.

Another long-discussed potential addition to the lake park’s renewal could be a consistently-operated canoe, kayak, rowboat and paddleboat rental operation. Bringing access to these watercrafts would draw more people to Hammonton Lake Park, particularly during summer weekends.

Imagine the view from the White Horse Pike (Route 30) side of the lake or the Hammonton Lake Park side of the lake when the boats are on the water. It will be important to regulate the number of rentals each day to ensure the lake is not overcrowded, but it should not be difficult to make that regulation happen.

It would be nice to see these crafts on the lake, providing the ability for people to fish or simply enjoy some time on the water. It is up to the town to decide what entity would be given the franchise to rent the boats. Research would have to be done regarding insurance, rates, rental times and other aspects of this new form of local recreation.

Town council should examine the feasibility of adding an annual boat rental at Hammonton Lake Park each summer. It would certainly draw more people to the area. Since the people who use canoes and kayaks in natural areas like the Hammonton Lake tend to be environmentally-friendly, we believe they will only enhance and help preserve the lake park.