Hamlin Lake Park

	PHOTOS:
		First Day of Fishing Season Baseball Lights Basketball Carnival Car Show Christian Concert District 8 Tourney Fireworks Flotilla Hamlin Lake Fish Hillside Park Kids Lake Playground Rainbow over Lake Smethport High School T-Ball Skateboard Tourney Stroller/Bridge Summerfest Jam Swimming Pool
	RELATED LINKS:
		For those wishing to know more about the history of Hamlin Lake, check out Planet Smethport’s web site.

Hamlin Lake Park had its beginning in 1822, when it was dammed to provide water power for the town’s grist mill. Later, in the 19 th century, the lake was also used to store logs for the huge saw mill located there. Although area residents also used the lake for recreational purposes then, the heartbeat of Hamlin Lake was industrial.

That heartbeat changed course following the devastating floods brought by Hurricane Agnes in 1972. The lake was completely rebuilt with money from the Dept. of Community Affairs. It then became the recreational center of Smethport

The reconstructed park offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. These include fishing and boating. There are pavilions for family reunions, weddings, or town sponsored events. Picnic areas are located in shaded areas. Children laugh and run in the playground near the Smethport Recreation Center Swimming Pool. There are several baseball fields used by a variety of organized boy and girl championship teams. The park also has a basketball court, soccer field, tennis courts, and a roller blade course. Summerfest events, like fireworks, custom car show, carnival, boat flotilla, and musical concerts bring a sparkle of entertainment to the park on warm summer days and nights.

For those visitors who want to relax, they can stroll through the park, amble across the wooden bridge that leads to the island in the center of the lake, and enjoy the cool summer breeze and scenic views of Smethport nestled between the hillsides above the broad Marvin Creek valley.