RECREATION
The
Pitch Lake is known for its economic benefits, but not much
is known of its recreational aspects. The surface of the lake
is firm enough to walk on, except for a small area in the center
called “the mother of the lake”, and some molten
areas at the side. The surface also contains a number of troughs
or ‘cracks’ as they are called by the locals.
These cracks collect rainwater in the wet season and
gas can be seen bubbling in them. Also present in these cracks
is a strong sulphur content.
These
cracks may have depths in some cases of about five feet at its
center. When they are filled with water, the villages and many
visitors, both local and foreign come to bathe. It is believed
that the water, because of the sulphur content, holds some healing
properties. On a hot day, there can be at any given time as
many as one hundred children and adults bathing.
The
pitch lake is visited by hundreds of foreign visitors every
year, and is a popular tourist attraction. Visits can be arranged
by logging on to (TIDCO’S)* website. In the summer, the lake
is the preferred place to relax and it is also the location
for an activity called “LAKE SPLASH”. This event is put on annually
by the Lake Asphalt Sports Club and brings together hundreds
of locals and foreigners to enjoy, cultural activities, talent
shows and performances from some this country’s leading calypsonians.
END
