Health & Fitness
Waterdog Lake--Off Limits to Skiing?
Ever been to Belmont's Waterdog Lake? Find out what's in store before you pull up with your jet ski...
If you like to hike you’ve no doubt discovered “Water Dog” lake in Belmont. You may also have come to the realization that it’s not a destination recreational lake for waterskiing or swimming.
A more accurate description of Water Dog lake is a pond, or to be exact, a reservoir. Around 1870 a dam was built in the hills of Belmont that would create a reservoir to supply water to the estate of William Chapman Ralston, located at the site where Notre Dame De Namur University now resides. After Ralston’s mysterious death in August of 1875 the estate of Mr. Ralston passed on to William Sharon and the reservoir became known as “Sharon Lake”. The property surrounding the lake and the reservoir itself was purchased by the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1923 who promptly renamed the small reservoir Notre Dame Lake.
Though that name remains the official title, even the city of Belmont has recognized the more informal name Waterdog, presumably named after the salamanders that are often spotted bathing in and around her shores.
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Today Waterdog Lake is part of the Belmont Recreation Department official parks and walking trails. Trail heads begin on Lake Road off Hallmark Drive, Sommerset and Somerset Court, and triangulate at Lyall Street encompassing 260 acres of pristine oak studded hills.
For more information on Belmont’s parks and walking trails visit Belmont.gov and select Parks & Recreation. Information gleaned from “Heritage of the Wooded Hills—A Belmont History by Ria Elena MacCrisken. Available for purchase at the Belmont Historical Society 1219 Ralston Ave Belmont, CA 94002 (650) 593-4213.
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Drew and Christine Morgan are REALTORS® in Belmont, CA employed by RE/MAX Star-Carlmont.
(650) 508-1441
The information contained in this article is educational and intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute real estate, tax or legal advice, nor does it substitute for advice specific to your situation. Always consult an appropriate professional familiar with your scenario.
