Photo: John Brennan / FOAP / foap / Getty Images
The historic fountain at Lake Hopatcong in Hopatcong State Park has been restored and reactivated after 30 years of inactivity. The fountain, located on the eastern bank of the Musconetcong River, was turned off in the 1990s due to maintenance and liability issues. The restoration process, which took a decade to complete, was made possible through $287,000 in grants and a significant donation from businessman Peter Kellogg.
The rejuvenation of the fountain involved clearing pipes, updating mechanical equipment, and installing a Victorian-era style fence around the top of the rock wall that forms the fountain's base. This was an insurance requirement to deter waders and swimmers. The fountain is gravity-fed, with the height of the geyser determined by the water level in the lake behind the dam.
The fountain's return was celebrated by nearly a hundred people who gathered to watch the landmark come back to life.
The fountain was originally a way to show factory owners that water was being released from the lake to keep the river flowing enough to power the mills. Over time, it became a focal point of gatherings and a popular summer "swimming hole". Now, the restored fountain stands as a testament to the area's history and a symbol of community perseverance.