[4] The site was identified as a potential coal mine in 1929 and land was bought by the government between 1940 and 1980.

[1] In December 2006, Waikato District Council acquired[1] part of the site for recreational use[8] from Solid Energy.

[1] A 2006 study found the lake was mesotrophic and that koi carp were present.

[9] A 1978 map shows a siding from the Glen Afton branch had been laid.

[10] It was on that alignment that, in 2008, the 1939 Huntly railway station was moved, as part of plans to put the Waikato Coalfields Museum beside the lake.