Changes to visitor operations at Mauch Chunk Lake is a possible future discussion after a teenager drowned on Monday.

On Thursday, Commissioner Chris Lukasevich said that through the COVID pandemic, the county was able to look at mitigation to create a safe, quality recreational space for county residents.

As visitors return to the area, the park has overflow from Beltzville State Park, as was the case on Monday.

Lukasevich said the county needs to reevaluate some of the park’s operations.

“We’re at the tipping point … the moment of critical mass, at the breaking point, where if we don’t take decisive actions, we will lose Mauch Chunk Lake Park and it will become a Beltzville,” he said. “It is time for us to consider serious measures to ensure Mauch Chunk Lake Park retains what it is and known for by the residents of Carbon County.”

Lukasevich said that laws and ordinances must be enforced to the fullest and suggested looking at eliminating day pass options for non-county residents who wish to use the beach area. This would not include those who rent cabins and campsites or picnic pavilions.

He spoke about Monday and the decision to shut the lake access at 8:30 a.m., shortly after Beltzville hit capacity.

While visitors said there were plenty of parking spots available and people didn’t think the park was at capacity, Lukasevich said that parking spaces and people on the beach aren’t the only factors that need to be taken into consideration when deciding to close the park for capacity.

Mauch Chunk Lake beach area has a capacity of between 800 and 1,100 people, but while it may look like there is still room, people aren’t seeing the guests from the 137 camping sites who could also utilize the beach and those who are picnicking in the groves.

“They can make the move down to the beach and overwhelm the lifeguards and staff on hand,” he said. “You also know we have a deep concern for the safety of individuals entering and exiting Mauch Chunk Lake Park … and if you don’t pre-emptively take action, you’re going to have significant challenges.”

Suggestions regarding getting better signage at the ends of Lentz Trail, as well as online were discussed.

“It’s the safety of the people out there,” Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein said.

Lukasevich said that further discussion needs to take place to see what should happen for the future of the park.

The county parks and recreation commission, which helps with suggestions on park operations, will meet next Friday and will most likely discuss the incident and if any changes for park operations should be further investigated.