Dry lake at Cliffs of the Neuse part of routine maintenance
By Barbara Arntsen
Published in News on October 12, 2004 2:00 PM
SEVEN SPRINGS -- It may look a little odd, but there's no need to worry about the empty lake at the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. It happens about once every 10 years.
It's all part of a routine maintenance program, according to Park Superintendent Dan Smith.
Bobby Williams
This diving platform is usually surrounded by water.
"Usually we take it down about half-way and make repairs," Smith explained. "But this year we're doing work on the earthen dam."
There have been no problems with the lake or the dam, and the park wants to keep it that way.
The 11-acre lake was built in 1955, and the dam has held up well, Smith said, because the park is diligent about maintenance.
When full, the deepest part of the lake is around 25 feet.
Major dam work usually occurs once every 10 years.
"There have never been problems; it's nothing to worry about," Smith said. "We expect to fill it back up again around the first of the year."
In addition to the dam work, inmates from Neuse Correctional Institute will help clean up around the edge of the lake.
The Cliffs will also have new restrooms near the picnic area. These should be open within the next couple of months.