Murray Lake , the third largest lake in Kent County , has an interesting history that we can trace back 200 years. Located in the midst of what became a thriving Irish settlement, Murray Lake once had another name. County records show that two centuries ago, it was call Nagle Lake . But that was changed when the James Murray family purchased a large tract of land alongside the lake. Many of the roads in the Parnell area were named for the Irish families who settled here, including Lally Street , which runs across the south end of the lake. It was originally a lane leading to the Lally farm.
For many years the peninsula that juts out into the lake was an uninhabited island, and area historians say farmers took their cattle to the island by barge and turned them out there to graze all summer. No need for fences! But during the Depression, one of the WPA projects was to build a road to the island - Causeway Drive .
A public access to the lake from the peninsula was created sometime in the 1930's. The boat launches were placed by the state's Department of Natural Resources in November 1957, and it was at about this time that the road around the island was constructed. In September 1957, property owners around the lake formed the Murray Lake Association in order to work together for their enjoyment of life on the lake.
In the 1970's, DNR water quality tests showed that high levels of phosphorous in the lake were contributing to rapid algae growth. In a hunt for the source of the phosphorous, they found the prime culprit was the septic systems around the lake. The County and Grattan Township worked together to install a sanitary sewer system which went into service in 1980. The Grattan Sewer System serves not only Murray Lake , but also Big Crooked Lake , Ratigan Lake , and Big Pine Island Lake .
The lake is supplied with clean, cold water from natural springs and from a stream at the north end of the lake. The springs contribute to open water in several areas of the lake well into the winter, and residents have learned to check ice carefully to make sure it's safe. In 1982, several snowmobilers who were unfamiliar with the lake tragically lost their lives when they rode into open water. After the accident, the lake associated donated $500 towards the cost of a water/ice sled for winter rescues on area lakes. Kent County Sheriff's deputies are currently raising money for an even more efficient type of rescue equipment.
Our lake, which is 335 acres in size, is a popular fishing lake. It has a depth of over 70 feet in some spots and also offers shallow areas. It provides both good habitat for the Northern Pike, Large Mouth Bass, and Tiger Muskie which the DNR planted in years past. The lake bottom consists of fibrous peat, marl, muck and sand.
To help firemen in case of a fire, there are dry hydrants at the north and south ends of the lake. They were purchased by the lake association in 1989. Pipe extends from these hydrants underground to the lake.
In 1992, natural gas and cable television became available around the lake. In 1993, the association initiated a water-quality testing program with the assistance of the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association. Volunteers on the Board of Directors, as well as lake residents, have continued this testing.
In 1995, Murray Lake Association, was recognized as a nonprofit organization. By-laws were rewritten and approved at the 1996 annual meeting.
Through considerable efforts of the Murray Lake Association Board, the DNR in 1997 completed a project of reconstructing the two access sites. We now have improved public ramps and parking sites.
PAST PRESIDENTS OF THE MURRAY LAKE ASSOCIATION
HERMAN YAHNKE 1957- 1959
WALTER KAMP 1959- 1960
GERALD HALL 1960- 1961
HAROLD KEITH 1961 - 1962
CLIFFORD LOESCH 1962- 1965
JIM MALECKI 1965- 1967
ROBERT KROPF 1967- 1970
DAN GAUW 1970- 1971
JOHN CALABRESE 1972- 1972
DAN GAUW 1972- 1974
ART VANAST 1975- 1976
JOHN NEBBELING 1976- 1977
DEL MINOR 1978- 1978
ROBERT HAYES 1978- 1982
JIM NIKIDEMSKI 1982- 1984
ED NAUSIEDA 1984- 1985
NORB HENNEMAN 1986- 1987
TERRY CONLEY 1988- 1989
PAT BRENK 1989- 1991
JIM COMSTOCK 1992-1994
TERRY KROPF 1994- 1997
JUDY CURTIS 1997-2000
BRAD RIEMER 2000-2003
ALAN RUMBAUGH 2003
We would like to thank all residents that have given up their valuable time for the Murray Lake Association. Whether it be board members or volunteers, your efforts have been, and are greatly appreciated.