****PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LAKE IS REALLY LAKE MATAWAN

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Lake provides cool alternative on a sunny day
by  ALYSSA PASSEGGIO
Posted: 2007-07-19
Fishing, tanning or gliding across the water: Lake Lefferts is a resource for the Matawan community to enjoy on a hot summer day.

Open to the public, the lakefront facility encourages fishing, as well as canoeing and kayaking, across the lake. Councilman Mike Cannon explained, "[The canoe and kayak rental service] is meant as a public service for the community. People should enjoy this beautiful lake, and it is the most fun in the summer."

The facility has nine canoes and five kayaks, as well as necessary equipment such as oars and life jackets. Adults can rent the equipment for themselves or their families for $10 an hour. Employees Nicole Merced, 21, and Rick Westerkamp, 19, will even put the rented vessel into the water for patrons.

Merced has returned for a second summer at the facility. She said between summer classes and volunteering, this weekend job fits her schedule perfectly. "I get to tan, get some homework done and meet plenty of interesting people," she said.

Westerkamp is enjoying his first summer working at the facility. This family event produces a stress-free environment, he said. Also taking summer classes, Westerkamp was happy to find a pleasant job that fit his busy schedule.

The employees recently completed an inventory and are replacing old equipment, in order to keep everyone safe, Cannon said. Several of the canoes and kayaks were also refurbished this summer, he said.

The program is run by the Recreation Commission and has been in place for over a decade. The rentals are available on Saturdays and Sundays, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. With about 15 to 20 rentals a weekend, Cannon hopes more people will take advantage of the program. "Every weekend has been great so far. This is a nice thing. It is great for the town and helps promote the lake," he said. Fishing is also an attractive activity at the lake, according to Cannon. "People like to fish from the dock. Especially later in the afternoon when it is nice and shady," he said. "This lake is just beautiful and I am glad people can enjoy it."

Eileen Fee takes a more relaxing approach when visiting the lake. Fee sat in a beach chair with her feet in the water; she packed a lunch, a book and some music for her trip. "This is closer and quieter than the beach," Fee noted. "I like to just sit and read, listen to music or just stare at the water. It is relaxing to just look at nature."

Whether fishing off the dock, tanning on the shore or paddling across the lake, Cannon encourages community members to take advantage of the local facility.

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