Lake Loretta Needs Water

Recreation association asking neighbors, community to pitch in to replenish and maintain one of Albany’s wonders

Note: The following information is being sent to residents of the Lake Loretta area in the Lake Park area of Northwest Albany. Donations can be sent to Lake Park Recreation Club, P.O. Box 70924, Albany, GA 31708. A limited number of fishing permits – which are available to the public – are available.

Lake Loretta is drying up – as is the Lake Park Recreation Club’s bank account. The sole hydro-pump that supplies the necessary water to our beautiful neighborhood aesthetic landmark has broken, and we must act fast. We are at a critical time in the history of our local treasure and would appreciate you reading this information and getting involved to help to sustain the lake – and the neighborhood.

Did you know:

• The Lake Park Recreation Club owns Lake Loretta and Lake Cornelia (the dry lake)?
• Your home is one of about 400 properties in the Lake Park Recreation Club geographical area.
• Real estate experts say that property values in the Lake Park Recreation Club area will drastically decrease if Lake Loretta were to dry up – not to mention the other consequences that would result from catastrophic fish kill?
• The Recreation Club spends about $11,000 annually – not including unexpected emergency expenditures -- to maintain and stock Lake Loretta?
• The Recreation Club currently collects about $6,000 annually in donations from its members/fishing permit holders?
• The Recreation Club’s bank account has gradually dwindled from more than $20,000 five years ago to less than $2,000 today?
• The City of Albany has not, does not, and will not contribute any effort or funding to help the Recreation Club maintain the property – despite the entire community enjoying the benefits?
• Less than 10 percent of landowners eligible to join the Recreation Club have made a donation in 2007?

The time to act is now. Please donate to the Lake Park Recreation Club today – and please consider making a contribution beyond the $50 membership fee. If you are already a member of the Recreation Club, will you please consider making an additional donation?