---

After a few years of stagnation, Sunset Lake is back on track.

The northeastern water body that suffered from post Sandy affects and an infiltration of algae, with brought forth an unbearable stench during the driest and warmest summer months, is headed to a healthier state, thanks in part to the city’s Sunset Lake Commission and a team of area environmental agencies.

On May 20, the city’s Environmental Shade And Tree Commission, headed by Tom Pivinski, organized volunteers to create floating planting islands to aide in the needed photosynthesis.

“Their purpose is to try to restore a situation completely naturally,” Pivinski has said. “They are increasingly becoming more useful throughout the entire eastern seaboard because Sunset Lake is just one of the thousands of lakes that has algae blooms; especially in the last couple of years because it has been dry and hot.”

While the organizers lost out on a $30,000 grant to construct the floating islands, Pavinski and his team moved ahead with the project at a cost of only $500.

This week, the long awaited Sunset Lake footbridge restoration was completed. Closed since sustaining structural damage during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the bridge connects Emory Street between Sunset and Fifth avenues. A FEMA grant funded the full replacement and repairs to parts of its lake boundary areas.

Also this week, the Sunset Lake Commission announced the formation of a fundraising group to help raise money for continued restoration projects.

“We’re very excited to let you know about our organizing meeting for the Sunset Lake Conservancy,”  member Patrick Reihing announced.  “One of our first orders of business will be electing officers for the organization. If you can spare some time and want to see Sunset Lake restored I would encourage you to put yourself forward as a candidate.”

The meeting will be held 3 p.m. June 25 at City Council Chambers, located at 1 Municipal Plaza, Reihing said.

On the agenda will be discussions on the various aspects of organizing the entity as well as  future activities, Reihing said. They include not only fundraising but community outreach and education programs, and creative ways to improve Sunset Lake.

To RSVP and for those unable to attend the meeting send suggestions via email to patrick.reihing@gmail.com.

[photos, in part, courtesy of Tom Pivinski]

———————————————————-

Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.

---