Tomahawk Lake- A Summer Classic
Tomahawk Lake is a classic family daytrip destination
On the quiet, back shore of Tomahawk Lake, Chester and June Wallace have finished up their annual interviews for summer help and are ready to open the family park for the season. They became the owners of this resort for daytrippers in 1956, four years after two guys named Laucks and Yonkers built a dam, a small beach and refreshment stand on a small farm lake at the base of Sparta Mountain. Every year since, the Wallaces have made improvements, and today's Tomahawk Lake is a treasure for the families that come here.
The 200 acre property, part of Sparta, Byram and Hopatcong townships, includes a large perimeter around the 25 acre lake, assuring contamination-free water and allowing spacious picnic and recreation areas. Two brooks, one from the top of the mountain and one from Seneca Lake, provide constant flow through Tomahawk during the summer. In winter, the lake is drained, depleting most all vestige of the season's growth. The result is weed-free, crystal clear water for the ultimate summer refreshment.
There is a large 200 ft. Kiddie Area with a variety of props for the under 4 set, including three kiddie slides, a Tarzan Swing, Lily Pads to walk on, a Tom Sawyer raft, and a splash fountain called Raindrop. Every move in this section- and all over the lake- is carefully surveyed by a team of 25 lifeguards.
Beside the still water stretches a beach made of glistening white sand, upon which many parents find suntan Nirvana while their kids find out what summer's all about.
The first waterslide came to Tomahawk Lake in 1978; a 500 ft., two-flume affair and the longest of its day. Now a total of six slides includes a speed slide; a sled slide which shoots 100 ft. out over the lake; the 7 ft wide, double tube Rocky Mountain slide; and the Black Snake, a 54" enclosed tube that winds its way swiftly down a steep hill.
For the more traditional, Tomahawk Lake provides an immaculate sand bottom (no concrete, no chlorine) that slopes gently out to floating rafts. Outside the swimming areas, you can enjoy rowboats, paddle boats, and kiddie & adult bumper boats. Back ashore you can visit a large refreshment stand, outdoor beer garden (with live weekend entertainment), an ice cream trailer, a novelty trailer, an arcade, an 18 hole miniature golf course, a putting green and a brand new ball field.
Eight hundred picnic tables inhabit lawns and groves throughout the park, and four spotless bathroom facilities are a quick walk from anywhere.
Tomahawk Lake provides an outstanding value for groups or large family reunions (50 people or more). Food prepared on site in the original 1857 farmhouse and served under large circus tents keeps guests happy eating all they want, all day long. Homemade donuts on arrival; homemade clam chowder at mid morning; hotdogs, burgers and salads for lunch; lemonade, birch beer, ice cream, cotton candy, and popcorn all afternoon; and freshly killed barbequed chicken with Jersey corn on the cob and ziti for supper. The price is $28 per person, which includes the admission fee to the Lake.
Admission is $10 adult/ $9 kids (8 and under) on the weekend and $9 adult/ $8 kids on weekdays. Lots of families find that membership at Tomahawk Lake beats any swim club around. Seasonal memberships are $75 for a single, $150 per couple and $25 for each kid. (Please check with the office to verify current rates.)
Tomahawk Lake is a survivor; a classic summer place where you can bring your grill and do your own cooking. Or leave it all to a capable staff, knowing you have all the advantages of a family-run facility. The Wallaces are always there to make sure things are the way they're supposed to be.
For information call the lake office at (973) 398-7777 or Group Sales at (973) 478-7490.
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03 Apr 2008, 14:36