Lions Lake restoration project complete

Contractors recently completed work on the Lions Lake shore restoration project, playground equipment replacement, and parking lot upgrades.

Over the years, the shoreline at the park receded significantly, with the township expecting erosion to continue quickly if left unaddressed.

Read More: North Lebanon Township to undertake Lion’s Lake, Jay Wall projects in 2025 (December 2024)

Beginning around February, contractors drained the lake and worked to stabilize it to slow future erosion, reinforcing shorelines and planting new growth to take root and reduce sedimentation.

The project also included the removal of an island in the lake, both due to sedimentation contributed to the lake and the frequency of geese laying eggs on the island. As township manager Lori Books explained last year, the township controls population of geese in the park through oversight of eggs, which was made difficult by eggs laid in the island.

The lofty project used $250,000 in DCNR grant funding, over $250,000 in contributions from the Lebanon County Stormwater Consortium, and over $212,300 from North Lebanon Township.

The project, initially anticipated to cost $712,300, accumulated change orders of $26,439.40 (to be paid for by the consortium), $5,775, $10,710, and $15,287.94.

Supervisor Gary Heisey said in February that the first change order (concerning the additional stabilization of the dried lake) was a no-brainer, and that this work would allow the lake to go longer without needing to be addressed by the township.

The project also included the purchase and installation of new playground equipment, with separate play areas for younger and older children.

Last year, Books said the old equipment was growing out-of-date and needed to be refreshed.

In June, Heisey praised contractors’ work on the park, noting that he had already noticed additional use of the playgrounds by local youth.

Contractors also repaved both parking lots and a path through the park.

Due to the restoration project, the lake will not be stocked with fish and fishing will not be allowed, unlike most years. The township expects to begin restocking the lake again next spring.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly called the lake “Lion’s Lake.” It is actually “Lions Lake.” We sincerely regret the error.