Testing The Waters At Eichler’s Cove

By Kendra Bobowick

Although boats are already afloat along the small docks at Eichler’s Cove, hopes of swimming this season are sinking rapidly.

Next year will most likely see the first bathers at Newtown’s newly acquired Lake Zoar waterfront property at the end of Old Bridge Road just off Great Quarter Road. Assistant Director of Parks Carl Samuelson said timing was a primary factor in opening the cove to boaters and those looking for a quiet spot to picnic.

This season holds promise for those with boats, but, “No beach, no swimming,” said Mr Samuelson. “It’s the timing.”

He explained, “We need a lot of work done before we open it for swimming and time to take the proper steps to get it done.”

Repairs to the boat slips, among other maintenance “took us a little longer” than expected, he said.

The boat launch is also open to residents with the proper passes.

Preparations for the season that officially runs from May 15 through October 15 came earlier than anticipated, he said. The marina’s prior owners turned managers hired by the town had traditionally opened the slips April 15, as they advertised this year.

“It has been a little bit of a challenge,” between the early opening and repairs work, Mr Samuelson said.

“Some fractures in the main docks needed to be replaced,” he said. He hopes that the now-wooden dock being repaired with aluminum will eventually be replaced entirely with the lightweight metal material.

Residents had first dibs at slips, which were later available to out-of-town water enthusiasts. The slips are either filled or close to capacity Mr Samuelson said. The postage stamp lot accommodating picnicking and the bordering beach area sits on a plot just yards away from the Newtown/Monroe line, and presents the only public access to Lake Zoar in Newtown. Mr Samuelson said that he would like to see resistant vinyl tables there in the future, but this season presents a problem.

“We don’t have the funding for the new picnic tables,” he said. The property has recently been reseeded with grass seed and cleaned up since small cottages were burned down during fire department drills.

As the boat launch prepares for the coming season of recreational anglers, water skiers, and those swinging picnic baskets, swimmers must wait until next season.

Previously, Parks and Recreation Director Barbara Kasbarian had entertained ideas that Eichler’s Cove might pick up some overflow of swimmers who traditionally visited Dickinson Pond. In past weeks the pond — a longtime swim spot for residents and children enrolled in Parks and Recreation programs — has been filled with dirt and the area is now a level field. Health codes prompted the closing when officials realized the pond did not meet regulations.

Although the recreation commission more recently determined that the cove is not large enough to accommodate full swimming programs, which will be deflected to the high school pool and Treadwell Park, Mr Samuelson said possibilities exist to broaden the swimming area at the cove. A few changes may enhance the beach and parking areas, he said. As time and funding allow, Mr Samuelson said the recreation department is considering moving the boat launch to open up additional beach space.

“Potentially this could increase the swimming. This could be a home run,” he said.

Overall, Eichler’s Cove offers “such potential for a beautiful park area,” Ms Kasbarian said.

Although a distinct idea, “Nothing is set in stone,” he said.

Also associated with the Eichler’s Cove parcel is a small path and outlet further along Great Quarter Road, which leads from the road and into the woods. The path winds inward toward the cove, confirmed Mr Samuelson. Residents may have noticed a small town sign posted near a chained off area at the mouth of the path. Although this small area was once rumored to be in line for development, it is now open space. Mr Samuelson believes the town is going to leave the wooded area “as is,” he said.

Recent History

Boat slip rentals were offered to Newtown residents only through the end of February. Effective March 1, any remaining slips were offered to nonresidents. Seasonal boat launch passes must be purchased at the Parks and Recreation office, during regular business hours. Proof of residency, car registration, and boat registration must be shown when purchasing a boat launch pass. All checks should be made out to the Town of Newtown.

Park stickers (no cost) must be displayed on all cars entering the facility. Park stickers must be obtained at the Parks and Recreation office during regular business hours. Car registration must be presented at that time. Eichler’s Cove Marina Fees: Slip Rentals Newtown Residents: $1,000 per season 19 feet and under and $1,250 per season over 19 feet; Nonresidents: $1,200 per season for 19 feet and under and $1,450 per season over 19 feet. Slip renters may rent a picnic table for the season for $150.

The boat launch is for residents only (launch season is May 15 to October 15). A seasonal boat launch pass is $350, and a daily boat launch pass is $15 Monday through Friday, and $20 on weekends/holidays.

No alcoholic beverages are permitted. Current park permits must be displayed on car windshields. In order to launch a boat, residents must present a boat launch pass. No other forms of identification will be accepted. Boat launch hours are 7 am to 8 pm; marina hours are 7 am to 10 pm; beach hours will be 10 am to 6 pm if and when the beach opens with swimming in designated area only. Parking is limited. Entry is first-come, first-served. No overnight parking or camping.

No dogs allowed; however, boat slip renters may bring a dog from their car directly to the boat. Dogs must be leashed. No boat fueling on the dock or at the slips. Shoes are to be worn on dock at all times.

Do not run boat engines on shore. The ramp is to be used for launching or taking out boats. No swimming, fishing, boat mooring/maintenance from the ramp. No open fires. All boats must be properly registered and meet all boating regulations as pertaining to safety equipment, such as open exhaust or excessive noise. Report any damage to the Parks and Recreation Office, 270-4340. The Town of Newtown is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged personal property.