It’s true, the Clark Reservoir is gross, and with the Summer heat will come a stench which is unmistakable. This is the result of the County’s neglect since taking ownership of the property in 2008. Prior to that the reservoir, which is part of the Robinson’s Branch of the Rahway River had been governed by the Township of Clark which had taken over the property from the Middlesex Water Company who created the reservoir back in 1907 to serve as a water supply.

The reservoir has been in desperate need of dredging for an extended period of time. Before we start building a mini amusement park with kiddy trains, a carousel, an ice rink, a picnic area, a boathouse, a fishing pier, a small county administration building, football and soccer fields, among some of the items mentioned – we might want to take a breath to consider the resident’s point of view.

For perspective, I was raised in Clark having resided there from 1956 until 1984. I know the community and the reservoir well having played and fished along its banks as a boy. The fishing was actually quite good at least from a youngster’s point of view. It should be pointed out that much of the community grew up around the reservoir – not the other way around! This means that many homes and literally entire neighborhoods back up to the reservoir. There is limited open land to accommodate the type of amusement / recreation activities which the County proposes.

What is needed is an extensive clean up and dredging of the reservoir and the property that borders the water. The idea of walking or perhaps bike paths would be a good one, a fishing area might also be an attraction for local anglers. But the idea of ice rinks, kiddy trains, and carousels is inappropriate use of land in what are clearly residential neighborhoods along the reservoir. If canoeing or kayaking are part of the conversation – who is going to police that type of activity? I would point out the reservoir is not without risk – as several drownings have occurred there over the years.

I have to agree with Clark resident Diana Gonzalez, in that the intent should be to create a more passive area conducive to nature and more attractive for residents. We are already seeing the result of over development all around us to our detriment! Time for cooler heads to prevail and let nature have some space too.

Michael C. Ince

Former Garwood Councilman & Clark Resident

Garwood