Our Story
Since 2017, a small group of volunteers has raised more than $90,000 for Strawbridge Lake, funding annual professional shoreline cleanups, two permanent docks, kayak rentals and a pollinator garden.
2017
It started at the water's edge
A few residents — Amy and George Gravenstine with Chet Dawson — began clearing the lake's overgrown edge by hand. It quickly became clear the job was bigger and more dangerous than volunteers could handle, so they set out to build something that could fund the work properly.
2018
A nonprofit, and the first fundraiser
The Strawbridge Lake Beautification Committee formed in January with one mission: restore the lake to the town treasure it once was. The 1st Annual Paddle Board & Kayak Race & Family Festival netted about $5,000 — enough to pay for the first professional lake-edge cleanup.
2019
The festival finds its footing
The 2nd Annual event netted $10,000 with more than 40 racers. A beer garden arrived through the Moorestown Breakfast Rotary, along with live bands and a silent auction. Resident Matt Henneke designed and donated the SLBC logo.
2020
Event cancelled. Best year yet for the lake.
Covid cancelled the festival, but sponsors donated anyway and the cleanup happened regardless. The township added a walking path from Pleasant Valley Avenue to Kings Highway, dredged the Children's Pond, restored the gazebo, and installed new playground equipment.
2021
The first floating dock
An Executive Board formed: George and Amy Gravenstine, Doug Maute, Dave Schill, and Lisa Petriello. The 3rd Annual festival raised roughly $26,000 with over 70 racers, and the money paid for the lake's first permanent floating dock at Haines Drive near Kings Highway ($12,495.00). A $10,000 NJEDA grant followed.
2022
Access for everyone
The 4th Annual event, held June 11th, netted approximately $16,000 and introduced professional race timing. In September a second permanent dock went in on Haines Drive near Pleasant Valley Avenue at a cost of $15,950.00 — this one handicapped accessible.
2023
A board takes shape
A seven-member Board of Directors formed to carry the mission forward: Amy and George Gravenstine, Lisa Petriello, Doug Maute, Chet Dawson, Lenny Wagner and Jennifer Baxter. The 5th Annual festival, held June 10th, drew the strongest resident and business support yet.
2024
Our biggest year
Over $35,000 raised and eighty-five racers. RentFun kayak rentals arrived at the lake, cost-shared with Moorestown Township, and a pollinator garden went in alongside STEM (Save The Environment of Moorestown).
2025
Leaving a permanent mark
The Strawbridge Lake Paver Campaign launched, letting supporters honor or remember someone with an inscribed brick at the lake. A kayak launch was added to one of the docks, and the Board of Directors grew to ten Moorestown residents.
2026
Still building
Despite the weather, another strong year. The Board of Directors is now eleven members, the Paver Campaign continues, and the 8th Annual festival is set for Saturday, June 13th — with the water slide and the cardboard duct tape race back by popular demand.