Leaser Lake Heritage Foundation's reorganization meeting resulting in nothing much being changed as all existing board members were reinstated for 2013.

George White was re-elected chairman and Carl Zvanut was renamed vice chairman.

The following members were also re-elected: Secretary Amy Meade, Treasurer Arnie Metzger and board members Randy Metzger, Dave Hoch and Harry Burger.

Lehigh County Conservation Officer Lee Creyer was present to answer any questions that might come up and to give a report on the current status of the lake.

The water level has risen sufficiently to necessitate the installation of more logs. Currently, there is a 3- to 4-foot rise per week.

He reiterated the lake would be open for trout fishing with the first stocking March 26.

The vandalism is being dealt with in the courts and the graffiti is being removed.

Mother Nature permitting, the lake should be filled in about 11 months.

The four miles of walking trail around the lake have been roughly marked out.

The trail will be 6 feet wide in most areas and will be kept under a 5 percent slope in the western portion.

The surface of the trail will be macadam at the parking areas easing into stone, ground and eventually natural surface.

A firm and stable surface is all that is needed for the handicapped, if they wish to use the trail.

A dirt trail next to the walking trail was discussed. This would be for anyone wanting to ride a horse in the park.

Justin Grim, an Eagle Scout candidate, will construct kiosks at the parking lots.

Ann Yost, of YSM Landscape Architects, gave a presentation on how the development of the western parking lot will evolve.

A handicap accessible fishing pier with a canoe and kayak launch is proposed.

The intent is to make this area handicap accessible.

Yost was trying to get some guidance from the board and audience as to what types of uses they could anticipate for the park so the final design would have them in mind.

Yost will be back to the board in one month with the final wrap-up in two months.

The Master Plan will focus mainly on the western parking lot but will include the whole park with possible horseshoe pits, bocce court and other similar uses in other areas.

A steel span is proposed across the spillway, which would be accessible for handicapped individuals.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission must approve this part of the project.

If they deny it, the trail will be installed below the spillway. Location at this site would make this portion of the trail difficult for the handicapped to access.

One suggestion was that the pavilions be built of natural materials and resemble a frontier fort, similar to the ones erected in the area prior to the Revolutionary War.

There will be no water or electric; toilet facilities will be self contained. Erection of a possible amphitheater or visitor center were mentioned.

Also, as nearby educational establishments have proposed using the park as a learning center, a student education center was discussed.

The entire project will be phased. As money comes available, projects will be started.

Lehigh County, however, has the final say as to what can be erected on the property.

Metzger fears rising property values and increased development in the area after the lake is filled.

The park would be a good attraction for people wishing to move into the area.

Subcommittees are lacking members.

Anyone wanting to donate some time to this project is urged to contact one of the board members.

Monetary donations for the various projects are also needed.