One of Our Gem-Like Lakes Is Disappearing!
Unknown Author
Unknown Newspaper Source
Unknown Date
Transcribed by Kathy S. Bentley
EDITOR’S NOTE: the following article, submitted by a property owner at Rockville Lake graphically describes the plight of summer residents of the once lovely lake near Belfast. We join these troubled residents in urgently requesting that something be done by either county or state authorities to rescue this valuable recreational asset from decline and oblivion for want of an adequate spillway.
ROCKVILLE LAKE – Ah, summer! Those welcome, warm months of fun in the sun and relaxation. For those with cottages at nearby lakes, summer has a special meaning.
This summer, as last, the residents of the 30 cottages around Rockville Lake must be content to find recreation on the shore, rather than enjoying the many activities that the lake itself usually provides. Rockville Lake is off Route 305 between Belfast and Black Creek.
Before a flood in the fall of 1967, Rockville Lake was a beautiful spot for its residents to enjoy swimming, boating, water skiing and fishing. After the flood, which was responsible for completely washing away the spillway of the lake, the water, slowly but steadily began dropping to lower levels.
This summer it is not even possible to attempt boating in the rapidly disappearing waters.
Why hasn’t anything been done about this situation, you ask? That’s exactly the question that the lakeside residents have also asked.
A group of men who own property around the lake, constructed a new spillway to replace the one that was damaged. One week after it was built, a flash flood completely destroyed their efforts. What is needed is a new spillway, built solidly enough to hold the water in the lake and to withstand flooding.
Where are the state repair crews who are responsible for this sort of construction? You say that state workmen have more important things to do. Maybe so, but the summer residents of Rockville Lake have been patient. Now the situation has reached a point where expensive boating equipment sits idle and property value decreases. Docks stretch like skeletons across the dry stretches of beach.
The lake has at present receded approximately 6 feet. Should these property owners be forced to spend extensive amounts of money, at their own expense, for repairs? What is their alternative?
Ah, yes! Another summer of fun in the sun....But what does the future hold for Rockville Lake?
Photo is from the newspaper clipping [Wellsville Daily Reporter?].