LYMAN LAKE IS BACK… AT LEAST SOME OF IT!

This is how Lyman Lake appears today as it remains in a holding period to assure the integrity of the new dam at Lyman Run State Park. New restrooms and shower facilities have been built at two of the park's campgrounds. Photo courtesy of Lyman Run State Park

Lyman Lake is back! Well, 13 feet of it is back.

Lyman Run State Park Manager Chip Harrison (inset at left) reports that the restoration of the lake hit the 13-foot mark on Sunday, triggering a 10-day "holding period" to assure the integrity of the park's new dam.

Another five feet will be added starting next Wednesday, followed by a second holding period.

Harrison reports no problems as the lake is restored from the flow of tiny Lyman Run as well as the springs that empty into the valley.

Refilling of the lake came after a seven-year process of demolishing an earthen dam, building a new one, testing and permitting. Lyman Run State Park averaged about 130,000 visitors annually when the artificial lake was the park's centerpiece. It was a popular attraction for anglers, swimmers and boaters.

Filling of the lake basin must follow a closely regulated plan that is likely to take several months, according to state officials. The lake may be available for some late-season 2008 recreation.

Built in the early 1950s, the old dam at the 595-acre state park experienced seeps and leakage that required close monitoring almost since its construction. Safety concerns forced breaching and draining of the lake in April 2000.

In April 2004, Allan A. Myers Inc. of Worcester began the nearly $17 million project to remove the old dam and spillway and construct the new, 50-foot-high earthen dam and spillway. The dam has a modern zig-zag design and is 1,000 feet long.