OUR HISTORY
It began long ago when Indians farmed, fished and hunted in the area. One tribe, the Pacquanacs, are still remembered in the very name Packanack which is said to mean appropriately "land made clear for cultivation".
In 1780 it was farming country and marshlands not far from the Continental Army encampment of French and American soldiers. Close by were the headquarters of General George Washington at the Dey Mansion and Major-General Marquis de Lafayette at the Van Saun House. They still can be seen today.
It sits on two ridges running in roughly a north-south direction separated by a valley of marshland that in 1928 would be cleared of trees and brush; blocked at the south with an earth and clay dam to form Packanack Lake.
That was when Mr. Joseph T. Castles, who had purchased 26 farms or approximately 700 acres of these ridges and valley in 1925, began laying the groundwork for the development of a year-round resort community.
Roads were built. Water and sewer mains were laid and a sewage disposal system constructed. The real estate firm of Packanack Lake, Inc. was formed and work began on the Clubhouse as well as seventeen log cabins and small Cape Cod homes.
YOUR MEMBERSHIP
All owners and renters within the boundaries of the Packanack community are eligible to become members of the Packanack Lake Community Association. To apply potential members are welcome to discuss membership and property qualification with the club manager and complete the application form which will then be reviewed. Once an application is approved, membership cards will be mailed to your home.
For members' use the association owns and maintains:
• the lake, its beaches
and the rights of way to the lake
• the dam
• the clubhouse
• peninsula park
• footbridges and other common grounds
• ball fields
The association recognizes the importance of Packanack's special environment. It works to keep the ecology of the area in balance while realizing these properties are extremely valuable. And this value is reflected in the appreciation of members' homes.
The dues in addition to maintaining
the property of the association also pay for:
• water quality control
• taxes
• salaries
• insurance
• capital improvements
• special events
• children's summer recreational program
The property used by association-sponsored organizations such as the golf club, tennis club and the yacht club are maintained and financed by these organizations.
GOVERNING PACKANACK
Packanack Lake Community Association is governed by the members through their elected representatives. Business of the association is conducted in accordance with the By-Laws and Rules of Procedure. These documents describe the purpose of the association and the regulations concerning classes of members, dues and assessments, meetings, officers and committees. Copies of the By-Laws and Rules of Procedure are available at the clubhouse office and will be given to each new member at the time his/her application for membership is submitted.
The Board of Directors and the Board of Governors conduct the business and govern the association. The Board of Directors is the controlling body of the club and is made up of seven "Class A or co-owner E" members. To be eligible, the candidate must be an association member in good standing for six years and served at least three full years on the Board of Governors. Four directors are selected for three-year terms. The seventh member is the President of the Board of Governors.
The Board of Governors conducts
the business of the association. There are ten governors from "Class
A or co-owner E" members. Eligible candidates for the Board of Governors
must be association members in good standing for at least three years.
The Board of Governors operates with president, vice-president, secretary
and treasurer and committee assignments. Committees may include:
• Grounds and Beautification
• Communication and Planning
• Beach
• Packanack Lake Athletic Association
• Group Activities
• Finance
• By-Laws - Rules and Procedures
Guest privileges may be extended only to invited guests of members in
good standing provided:
Guests are accompanied by a member
Other members' privileges are not restricted due to the use of Packanack
ccfacilities by the guests
Delinquent members and eligible non-members may not be guests of members
ccin good standing
Sponsored organizations are made up of members in good standing who
have ccformed a formal organization such
as:
| • Aerobics Club Angler's Club • Athletic Association • Book Club • Bridge Club • Children's Theater • Duplicate Bridge Club • Garden Club |
• Golf Club • Leisure Club • Mothers Club • Summer Recreation Program • Swim Club • Tennis Club • Train Club • Yacht Club |
Affiliated organization operate both in and outside the community association area; are made up of predominantly community association members; and are organizations the ommunity association wishes to encourage. Affiliated organizations include:
| • Packanack Lake Fire Co. #5 • "PACK-A-NEWS" — newsletter • Packanack Nursery School • Boy Scouts • Cub Scouts |
• Explorer Sea Scouts • First Aid Squad • Girl Scouts • Men's Bowling • United Givers |
Use of the ball fields by sponsored organizations should be scheduled in advance through the Packanack Lake Athletic Association. Affiliated or outside organizations requests will be reviewed by the Athletic Committee.
Activities at the clubhouse should be scheduled through the Club Manager.
Scheduled Packanack Lake Athletic Association activities take precedent over individual unorganized games.
Special use of the beaches by groups will be approved by the Beach Committee.
Swim only in designated beach areas when a lifeguard is present. Guests must be accompanied by a member.
A Packanack Lake Community Association fishing tag is required for all members over 14 and must be displayed while fishing in the lake. Fishing is restricted to members and guests accompanied by member/s of Packanack Lake. Tags are available at the clubhouse office. Local and state regulations also apply.
Boats should be registered and a registration number displayed on the boat. Registration numbers are available at the clubhouse office. Berths are also available for a fee. A Coast Guard approved life preserver shall be carried for each person aboard in accordance with New Jersey State law.
No individuals or groups shall remain on Packanack Lake Community Association after 9:00 p.m. or darkness whichever occurs first.