Frozen Brainerd open for skating

Frosty temperatures give Cranbury a chance to skate

By: Matt Kirdahy
   Thanks to more than a week of below-freezing temperatures, Brainerd Lake was open to ice skaters Thursday.
   Public Works Director Tom Witt walked out onto the ice with auger in hand Thursday morning and bored a hole to measure the thickness of the ice. Every winter he conducts this test daily if the weather permits.
   To the delight of skaters, the ice was 6 inches thick, which makes it safe enough for skating. Just two days earlier, the thickness measured at 4 inches.
   A regulation ice-hockey-sized rink has been set up and has been used by skaters.
   It is the first time in two years the lake has been opened to skating.
   Last year, Cranbury residents didn’t get to skate on Brainerd Lake because of mild weather.
   "I remember 25 years ago when we used to get to skate for six to eight weeks at a time," Mr. Witt said. "Now we’re lucky if we get out there for one week."
   Skating will be permitted only when green flags are posted on Main Street. In addition, an area adjacent to Route 130 will be roped off for safety. The lake will be open daily from dawn until 10 p.m.
   In recent years, after Mr. Witt opened the lake for skating, it had to be closed because of excessive snowfall. The township works as fast as it can to clear the snow off the ice, he said.
   But with just a bitter winter wind and minimal snowfall, there is little worry that any storms will delay skating time on Brainerd Lake.
   Mr. Witt will notify residents immediately of changes by removing the green flag.