It was 50 years ago that Mauch Chunk Lake Park opened, bringing the area a majestic, bucolic recreational facility.

When you think of Mauch Chunk Lake Park, obviously the beach comes to mind, as does fishing, hiking, bird-watching and even kayaking and paddle boarding.

But recreation was actually a secondary aspect of the overall parcel. The main purpose was construction of a 350-acre reservoir which provided flood protection for the town of Jim Thorpe.

The recreational ingredient was due largely in part to a visionary named Agnes McCartney. McCartney was a longtime director of the Carbon County Planning Commission who focused on the park’s potential for increased tourism for the Carbon County.

She worked closely with a congressman, “Dapper” Dan Flood, a Wilkes-Barre resident, and together they succeeded in making sure the project became reality and didn’t get lost in bureaucratic red tape.

It was their joint effort that made both the Mauch Chunk Lake and its ancillary Mauch Chunk Lake Park become realities. And not a day too soon.

The dedication program for Mauch Chunk Lake Park occurred on Aug. 27, 1974. The lake and its 50-foot high, 1,710-foot-long flood control dam were completed two years prior. Just a month after the dam was completed, it spared Jim Thorpe – especially the downtown area - from a certain major catastrophe.

In 1972, weeks after the completion of Mauch Chunk Lake and dam, Hurricane Agnes struck. As much as 18 inches of rain fell. Catastrophic flooding occurred in nearby communities. Jim Thorpe was spared. The dam had done its job.

“It literally paid for itself within a month,” said David Horvath, park director.

Jim Thorpe (and Mauch Chunk, as it was previously called) has a long history of devastating floods. It is estimated that floods killed at least 200 people since the mid 1800s, with the worst disaster happening in 1862 when about 150 people perished. A gushing wave of water reportedly 30-feet deep annihilated Mauch Chunk (which was a separate town then from East Mauch Chunk).

There was flooding in 1831, 1841, 1901, 1902, 1933, 1955 and the last time in 1969.

Congressman Flood and McCartney presided over the dedication of the lake park. It had cost $3 million to construct, which is about $19 million in today’s dollars.

It’s the park that holds a spot in the heart of Horvath, who has been the park director since October 2000. He succeeded Dennis DeMara in the position, who was the first director.

Horvath is a lifelong resident of Summit Hill and always was fond of Mauch Chunk Lake Park, even as a child. He and his wife Allison had their wedding photos taken at the park in 1999.

He recalled that when he was young, he and his family came to the beach. He often fished here with his father, brother and sister.

He is impressed by the growth that has since occurred Mauch Chunk Lake Park.

Since the dedication, a new park office was built, a state-of-the-art campground housing tents and cottages was completed, pavilions were added where such things as graduation parties and other gatherings are available, hiking trails were improved, a food stand was erected, new restrooms were built and various recreation rentals are available including canoes, paddle boats and kayaks. There even was a new boat launch added. Boat Launch A was constructed in 1997.

Horvath said, “The project was a cooperative effort among federal, state and local governments and received funding and support from the Carbon County Commissioners, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Carbon County Conservation District.

Although swimming is arguably the most recognizable activity at the park, fishing and hiking are also major attractions.

For fishing enthusiasts, the lake has such species as large mouth bass, small mouth bass, blue gill, crappies, yellow perch and catfish.

There are three covered pavilions. They are the Ginder-Vermillion Pavilion, the Koch-Wildoner Pavilion and the Agnes T. McCartney Pavilion. Not only are there pavilions but there are volleyball nets and there is separation for private gatherings from the camping, hiking and swimming facilities - although all are close enough to enjoy simultaneously if desired.

Camping at the park dates back to 1978 when a youth group began visiting. The first family tent camping occurred in 1981, said Horvath.

In the late 70s and early 80s, the camping area expanded to 135 tent sites and four group sites. There are 15 camping cottages.

In the offseason, ice fishing and cross-country skiing are popular.

Presently the park employs 26 seasonal employees and four full-time staff. “They do a remarkable job,” he said of the employees, noting that the county is in charge of the hiring.

The refreshment stand and boat rental sites are handled by a vendor.

Horvath said there is an admission fee for the beach. It is $10 per adult for out-of-county residents and $7 for children ages 4-12 who don’t live in the county. Carbon County residents are charged $3 per adult and $2 for child.

There is no charge for fishing.

Horvath said for more information about the park or camping, phone the park office at 570-325-3669 or visit the park office.