Projects: Parks & Open Spaces
Congers Lake Earthen Dam & Boardwalk
Congers, New York
Congers Lake Earthen Dam
First called The New Lake, the impounded waters became Lake St. Rita and finally in the 1920’s, became Congers Lake. Congers Lake Dam was originally constructed in 1995, replacing and original weakened stone and earthen dam built more a century ago to create a recreational area.
Let It Grow performed as General Contractor for the construction of an earthen dam along the south edge of Congers Lake. This dam, which is composed of a clay liner and embankment, was the key to enable the construction of the pathway along the water’s edge. A temporary cofferdam was installed in the lake during the construction of the clay liner and rip rap embankment. This was followed by the installation of a 10" sewer line buried 20' deep.
An 8' foot gabion wall was installed after the sanitary line relocation. Site clearing, excavation, PVC storm sewer, embankment and grading, pavement, traffic striping, and sign installation were also components of the project. The scope of work for the Gilchrest Road Improvement portion of the project included the construction of a 600 linear foot dike, with a 12’ wide asphalt trailway, including gabions of 12” to 15” in diameter; RCP storm sewer, “T” inlets, detention basin, 21” PVC Interceptor in conformance with Rockland County Sewer District No. 1 Standards - constructed on site. Other activities included the installation of manholes and the installation of new metal and wood fencing.
Congers Lake North End Trailway and Boardwalk
The Town of Clarkstown awarded Let It Grow, Inc. the restoration of the 1.7 mile walking path; along with the construction of a 900 foot long boardwalk at the top of the trailway at the north end of Congers Lake. Creating an attractive walking path along Congers Lake was a long-time goal of the town. Over the years, the walking trail has been extended with small sections at a time. A new 10-foot-wide elevated promenade runs along the lake in sections, linking with blacktop walking and cycling paths to provide a nearly 2-mile walk along the lake. The dam construction enabled the full construction of the pathway along the water’s edge. As part of the pathway and boardwalk upgrade; grass, shrubs and trees were planted along the path for visual appeal. The project also consists of a parking lot that will allow residents to park and walk to the path.
The combined projects immediately improved the site’s recreational experience with residents enjoying walking, strolling, and bicycling on the pathway and boardwalk. Other enhanced activities include fishing, rafting, and other outdoor activities across the 100 acre lake.
Once the pride of the city, Dahnert’s Lake County Park in Garfield, NJ had fallen into disrepair during the past decade. The lake was unusable for years because of contamination and the park finally closed due to neglect.
