A cause I care about needs help

The Lake Lenape Lighthouse, an iconic landmark in South Jersey since 1943, located on a small man-made island as a part of the Lake Lenape Park has been left to deteriorate since Atlantic County purchased the property in 2007. Despite budgeting funds for its repair, the County has left the structure untouched. During a meeting of the Mays Landing Merchant’s Association, County Executive Dennis Levinson was asked about the possibility of rehabilitating the lighthouse. He said the “it would take $400,000 to $500,000 to fix it as it is structurally unsound”, and that “it is not financially responsible to spend that money for a non-functioning property.” Apparently, the County intends to eventually demolish the structure, actively or through neglect. However, when asked if refurbishing the lighthouse could be done by volunteers, Mr. Levinson said, “That would work beautifully”.

Images of the Lighthouse can be seen on Municipal, County, and commercial publications. The Lighthouse has been the backdrop of thousands of church picnics. It has been an eye-catching reminder for thousands of Casino employees who enjoyed the recreational facilities of Lake Lenape Park, as well as the destination of hundreds of many small businesses who would have employee picnics throughout the years. The lighthouse is a point of reference for boaters who use the lake for their recreation. The landmark is a part of area high school rowing regattas. Its location on the scenic Great Egg Harbor River has been the destination of thousands of couples who were either married there, or used it as the backdrop for their wedding pictures.

In an effort to preserve the historical landmark, a group of concerned residents formed a non-profit organization in order to raise the funds necessary to repair the lighthouse and restore it to its original stature. 

The “FRIENDS OF THE LIGHTHOUSE AT LAKE LENAPE” (a 501 (c)3 non-profit) is soliciting help, financially and from those who would donate their skills to refurbish the lighthouse, or any other capacity. 

The FRIENDS OF THE LIGHTHOUSE AT LAKE LENAPE is also asking for assistance from other organizations that are interested in preserving the landmark. Donations are tax deductible.