Packanack Lake, New Jersey

Packanack Lake is an affluent lake community in Wayne, New Jersey, USA, located 30 minutes northwest of Manhattan. The median income in Packanack Lake is $100,887, and the average income of households with children is $140,869. 95.9% of Packanack area residents are high school graduates whereas 57.5% are college graduates. 77.4% of residents are married. 41.4% of residents have children. Average age of resident is 40.6 years old.

The community of Packanack Lake is filled with a myriad of home styles. Gatherings and Social Events are held on both East Beach (on Lake Drive East) and West Beach (on Lake Drive West) which include band concerts, craft shows, and bonfires.

Overview

Packanack's neighborhoods include; Packanack Estates, Packanack Lake, Packanack Manor, Packanack Ridge, and Packanack Woods. Members of the [http://www.packanacklake.org Packanack Lake Community Association] , also known as Packanack Lake Country Club, enjoy the many benefits of residing in a lake community, including the Tennis Club and Golf Club located on Osborne Terrace. Packanack residents can send their grammar school-aged children to the Packanack School, located at 190 Oakwood Drive, and residents can also send their high school aged children to Wayne Valley High School or the many private schools in and around the township of Wayne. There are summer camps and activities for the children who live in the lake which include golf lessons and sailing lessons.

Transportation to business/commercial centers throughout North Jersey is quick and easy with Wayne's proximity to most major highways, Route 3, 4, 20, 21, 23, U.S. Route 46, Interstate 80, Interstate 287 and the Garden State Parkway. Train Stations and "Park & Ride's" are located in the area that provide quick access to North Jersey suburbs and New York City.

Wayne area country clubs that are minutes from Packanack include the [http://www.preaknesshills.org/ Preakness Hills Country Club] located on Ratzer Road and the [http://www.northjerseycc.com/ North Jersey Country Club] located on Hamburg Turnpike.

Shopping and Dining

Residents of Packanack can also choose to do their shopping and dining in Packanack Lake and its surrounding communities. The Packanack Lake community includes a deli, dry cleaner, a flower & gift boutique, an event planner, and restaurant and pub which all are located on the lake next to the Packanack Lake Clubhouse.

History

The Packanack community began long ago when Native Americans 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 [http://www.passaiccountynj.org/ParksHistorical/Historical_Attractions/deymansion.htm Dey Mansion] and Major-General Marquis de Lafayette at the Van Saun House. They still can be seen today.

Geology

The Packanack area 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 (2.8 km²) of these ridges and valley in 1925, began laying the groundwork for the development of a year-round resort community. The lake itself is man-made, and requires adequate maintenance to preserve the health of the lake and prevent disease. 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. The Clubhouse, which has been recently renovated in 2005, is located on the west beach along with a post office, restaurant/pub, florist, and a deli.

Notable residents

Notable current and former residents of Packanack Lake include:
*Tom Cruise, (American Actor & Producer) Resided on the east side of Packanack Lake on Lois Court.Fact|date=June 2008
*Donna Kane, (American Theater Actress) Resided on the east side of Packanack Lake on Elmwood Terrace, where her parents still live today.Fact|date=June 2008

External links

* [http://www.waynetownship.com The Township of Wayne]
* [http://www.wayneschools.com Wayne Schools]
* [http://www.nj.com/forums/wayne Wayne Forum]