Fewer Trails? Ponderlodge Headed for February Demolition

VILLAS — The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) plans to demolish buildings at Ponderlodge in February.
Everything must go: the lodge building, two swimming pools, the “mansion” of which 50 percent was destroyed in a fire, tennis courts, pro shop and other structures.
DEP planned to demolish the structures in 2009 but halted plans when it appeared a deal was in the works between Richard M. Stockton College and DEP to turn part of the property into an environmental education center.
The pending agreement died after a federal agency insisted on a land swap of similar value if Stockton wished to use Ponderlodge.
Stockton College sent a letter to DEP Oct. 20 informing the state agency that the college was no longer interested in using Ponderlodge and would no longer pursue a lease of the property.
DEP plans to remove some of the asphalt trails through Ponderlodge, which were former cart paths when the property was a golf course. DEP’s original draft plan called for the removal of 3.8 miles of cart paths.
DEP spokesman Larry Hajina told the Herald one of the options in the demolition bid package called for just removing “spokes” of cart paths that dead end but leaving the interior path intact.
In its original draft plan to return Ponderlodge to a natural state, DEP called for trails to remain:
“Hiking: There is great potential to provide a variety of passive recreational opportunities. There are 1.8 miles of asphalt trails already in place, which can be used for walking, biking, roller-blading, and even by people with perambulatory disabilities or in wheelchairs. A .75-mile natural surface path provides a more natural experience for hikers and bird watchers.”
Red trail – 1.9 miles
This paved loop trail leaves the lodge, travels through all of the various habitats, and returns to the lodge again. The plan calls for a short spur trail to lead off the red trail to the edge of the marsh and an observation platform.
Purple trail – .75 miles
A longer, unimproved road runs along the eastern boundary of the property, crossing and re-crossing the headwaters of Cox Hall Creek. This road will be mowed and maintained as a hiking trail for people who wish to have a more natural experience and who can walk greater distances.
Blue trail – .4 miles
This short, paved loop will be used as a self-guided interpretive trail incorporating universal design. The loop winds through three different habitats is short enough to be used by parents with young children and people with various disabilities, will be wheelchair accessible, and when linked with other trails, provides many trail options both in terms of habitat viewing and length of walks. Adding interpretive signs that build on a theme will add interest and understanding to a casual outing.
Green trail – .48 miles
This paved connecting trail offers visitors the opportunity to choose a variety of hiking options while providing access to many additional habitats.
“Presently asphalt cart trails exist throughout the area. Some will be retained to form a network of trails that loop through the property, highlighting the various habitats. It is estimated that is will cost approximately $140,000 to build .5 miles of new trail to connect the proposed loops and tear out the 3.8 miles of asphalt that will no longer be necessary.”
Hajina said contract proposals call for the replanting of trees as a screen for neighboring homes.
Following demolition, DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife will manage the property, he said.
“Mostly it will be allowed to return to its natural state,” said Haijina.
Lower Township Manager Kathy McPherson expressed concerns removing cart paths could make the property less accessible for those with disabilities. She noted a number of residents also ride bicycles on the former cart paths.