Budd Lake getting 100-foot fishing pier

MOUNT OLIVE – Budd Lake Park will get a 100-foot long fishing pier as part of a redevelopment effort to draw increased use of the lake following an end to the beach program earlier this year.

The 100-foot fishing pier will cost the township $43,600, and will be the second dock at Budd Lake Park after the existing floating dock, recreation marketing director Laura Rimmer said.

The floating dock will remain in the water and move closer to the Route 46 part of the lake, where it will be used to dock the Budd Lake Rescue Squad’s emergency response watercraft.

The fishing pier has been ordered and is expected to be delivered and assembled in time for the 4th of July. The pier will be wheelchair accessible and have railings and a 15 by 15-foot platform at the end, Rimmer said.

Mount Olive will also let people launch personal watercraft including kayaks and canoes on the lake, and the recreation department will also offer stand up paddleboard and sailing lessons.

“I'm excited by seeing the lake be utilized for a multitude of uses,” Mayor Rob Greenbaum said.

There is no admission fee to access Budd Lake Park, which officially opens for the season on 4th of July weekend to both residents and non-residents. There will be no lifeguards on duty at the lake this year.

In February, Mount Olive officials announced plans to close Budd Lake beach to swimming, citing low attendance. Vasa Park, the Swim & Sport Club in Flanders, Frog Falls at Picatinny, and North Jersey Aquatics are among local options now extending swimming memberships to all Mount Olive residents.

A state-of-the-art splash pad, Pirate’s Cove, will take the beach program’s place, which will be located next to the new Mount Playmore playground in Turkey Brook Park.

Pirate’s Cove will cost the township an estimated $500,000 and provide usage to the town for 10 months of the year, because in the cold months the structures on the shallow concrete pad can be flooded and used as an ice skating rink.

At the time of the announcement, Recreation Supervisor Jill Daggon said Budd Lake Park would be redeveloped for “passive recreation” including fishing, picnicking and the use of carried in personal watercraft such as kayaks and canoes.

Go to www.MountOliveTownship.com/recreation.html to track upcoming developments at Budd Lake Park.

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com