Senator Jen Metzger, members of the advocacy organization Friends of Tillson Lake and local elected officials showed her support for repairing the dam at Tillson Lake with a press conference on Aug. 14.

Created in 1929 by Hasbrouck (Hassie) Tillson, the 22-acre lake in Minnewaska State Park is managed by the Palisades Interstate Parks Commission (PIPC) and is a recreational destination for local community members and tourists.

The press conference was prompted by the release of a recent report commissioned by The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYSOPRHP), which finds that the dam could be restored at a lower cost than originally estimated.

“Tillson Lake is a beloved scenic and recreational destination in the community, and supports a diversity of native plant species, as well as amphibians, reptiles, and birds,” Metzger said. “Residents enjoy the lake for kayaking, fishing, canoeing, and bird watching, and it is also used by the Shawangunk Valley Fire Department for training. I am very pleased that the new study estimates a far lower and much more manageable cost for restoring the dam than originally suggested by the Commission, and I am hopeful that by working with PIPC, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, the State will move forward with the needed dam improvements.”

In 2012, an engineering report commissioned by The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYSOPRHP) determined the Tillson Lake Dam to be a Class “C” High Hazard. At that time, the cost estimate for Dam refurbishment was estimated to be from $5 million - $9 million and the cost for Dam removal, which would destroy the lake, estimated to be in the $1 million to $2 million range.

The report prepared this year by Schnabel Engineering used a new model for passing flow analysis and, as a result, suggests that the spillway does not need to be increased in order to meet passing flow requirements at the regulatory threshold of half Probable Maximum Flood (PMF), reducing the estimated repair costs to $3.2 million.

“This support from our elected representatives has been a crucial component in getting this new study done, and Friends of Tillson Lake acknowledges and appreciates this” said Morey Gottesman, President of Friends of Tillson Lake. “Both Senator Metzger and Supervisor Majestic welcomed this new, more realistic cost estimate and pledged to work to preserve the Lake and help obtain the necessary funding. We look forward to continue working with Senator Metzger at the State level to guide us through the budgeting process.”

Today, the lake is accessible by a small parking lot, a small boat launch and a few trails around the lake. But years ago, the lake was a bustling community hub and summer destination with a swimming area, diving boards, a roller-skating rink, a concession stand, a casino and more.

Born and raised in New York City, Gardiner resident Tom Francese remembers the first time he saw the lake as a young boy. When his family pulled up and opened the car door, he was amazed by the beauty of the countryside. He remarked the lake looks like Marlboro country, referring to the popular cigarette commercial that featured an idyllic countryside.

“The lake was the most beautiful lake,” Francese said. “I’m a 62-year-old man, and I’ve seen a lot of lakes, but I still remember that as the most beautiful.”

Francese was visiting his aunt’s cottage at the lake. His father and uncle followed suit and bought their own cottages. He spent every summer at the lake.

He has fond memories of jumping off the high dive, skating at the roller rink and making new friends.

“It was just a wonderful place to go,” Francese said. “I grew up there every summer.”

A self-professed “country boy at heart who was born and raised in the city,” Francese left New York City when he was 22 to live in the Hudson Valley. He bought a house just down the road from Tillson Lake.

Francese said while he’s disappointed the lake has become overgrown, it still gives him joy. He brought his children to the lake and will hopefully bring his grandchildren to it as well.