Pleasant Lake kiosk

The public boat ramp area at Pleasant Lake in New London, NH received a facelift on July 14, 2020. Through a joint project of the Elkins Fish and Game Club (EFGC) and the Pleasant Lake Protective Association (PLPA), a new kiosk and lake signage were installed, welcoming residents and visitors to this beautiful lake.

The old lake signage had been there for many years and was in disrepair. In 2019, members of the PLPA felt it would be a good time for an upgrade. They were celebrating their 50th anniversary and wanted to commemorate the event. They reached out to the EFGC, celebrating their 125th anniversary, to see if they would like to help. Representatives of both groups discussed ways to improve the look and functionality of the signage and presented a plan to the town of New London. After receiving approvals from the Selectmen and the New Hampshire DES, the representatives of the EFGC and PLPA finalized the  design and material details for a new and more permanent structure.

The new kiosk is constructed of weather resistant materials, which provide durability and stability, while also providing an aesthetically pleasing look. The kiosk has a map of and information about Pleasant Lake and also includes sections for boating and fishing information.  There are also informational panels for each of the organizations. All the labor and material costs for the removal of the old signage, and the fabrication and installation of the new kiosk were paid for by the PLPA and EFGC. The old sign was saved and can be seen at the Ice House Museum on Pleasant Street in New London.

The Elkins Fish & Game Club  once owned the property, formerly known as Melendy Park, where the dam and boat ramp stand today. Members were responsible for controlling the dam and stocking fish into Pleasant Lake for many years. The club turned over ownership of the property to the Town of New London in 1974.  It is fitting that the club be involved in this project; contributing time and effort to improve an area where so much of the club's history took place.