Sunset Lake (New Jersey) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sunset Lake |
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 Sunset Lake
Location in New Jersey
Sunset Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Cumberland County, near Bridgeton, New Jersey |
| Coordinates | 39°26′48″N 75°14′11″W / 39.44667°N 75.23639°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface elevation | 10 ft (3.0 m) |
Sunset Lake is a beautiful man-made lake located near Bridgeton, New Jersey in Cumberland County. It's a type of lake called a reservoir, which means it was created by people to store water. Most of the lake is found in Hopewell Township and Upper Deerfield Township.
This lake was formed by building a dam across a stream. Water also flows into Sunset Lake from a nearby body of water called Mary Elmer Lake. The dam is easy to find, right next to Park Drive, which is a main road through the city's park system. Water from Sunset Lake flows over the dam and into the Cohansey River. Long ago, this lake was known by a different name: Tumbling Dam Pond.
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Fun Activities at Sunset Lake
Sunset Lake is a great place for outdoor fun and activities. The City of Bridgeton's Recreation Department helps run many of these.
Boating and Swimming
You can rent canoes here and enjoy paddling on the water. There's also a special swimming spot called Stony Point Beach, perfect for cooling off on a hot day. If you have your own boat, there's a public boat ramp at Piney Point. This is a small piece of land that sticks out into the lake.
Exploring the Waterways
- You can kayak or canoe on Sunset Lake.
- From the lake, you can even carry your boat to a nearby stream that connects to the Cohansey River.
- Another cool place to explore is the Raceway. This was built a long time ago in the 1800s to power mills. Now, it's used for fun activities like canoeing. The Raceway winds through the Cohanzick Zoo and ends close to Downtown Bridgeton.
- There's also a stream that connects Sunset Lake to Mary Elmer Lake, another lake in the Bridgeton Park System.
Fishing at Sunset Lake
Sunset Lake is a popular spot for fishing. Many different kinds of fish live in its waters, making it a good place to try and catch something!
History of Sunset Lake
Sunset Lake has an interesting past, especially with a famous park that used to be on its shores.
Tumbling Dam Park
Years ago, a fun place called Tumbling Dam Park was located right by Sunset Lake. It started out in the Victorian era as a simple spot where people could rent boats and have picnics. But over time, it grew into a small amusement park!
- The park had early amusement rides, some even built by a local company called Pretzel Amusement Ride Company.
- There was also a bowling alley, baseball fields, and places to buy snacks.
- Famous people visited Tumbling Dam Park, including the Wright brothers, who invented the airplane, and Annie Oakley, a famous sharpshooter.
Sadly, the park was damaged during a big flood in 1934. It was repaired, but later in the 1950s, it started to fall apart. Eventually, the park was torn down, and houses were built where it once stood.
Recent Lake Repairs
On August 13, 2011, a powerful storm called a "derecho" caused the lake to rise very high and overflow its banks. After the storm, the dam's spillway (where water flows over) was repaired. Now, the lake is open again and is regularly stocked with fish for anglers.
Wildlife at Sunset Lake
Sunset Lake is home to many different animals, both in the water and around its shores.
Aquatic Animals
- Many turtles live in the lake, including large snapping turtles.
- You can also find various types of sunfish and catfish.
- Freshwater clams and even leeches are part of the lake's ecosystem.
Birds and Other Wildlife
- On the surface of the lake and along its edges, you'll often see geese, ducks, and seagulls. These birds are common residents of the lake area.
Events at Sunset Lake
The City of Bridgeton often holds fun events at Sunset Lake for everyone to enjoy.
- Annual Pig King BBQ: A popular event featuring delicious barbecue.
- Annual Triathlon: A challenging race that includes swimming, biking, and running.
- Various shows, concerts, and plays are held at the Amphi-theater, which is a great outdoor stage.
