As part of the Upper Mole Flood Alleviation Scheme, the raising of the dam at Tilgate Lake was completed in 2011, to provide additional flood storage, protecting hundreds of homes vulnerable to flooding in Furnace Green, Pound Hill, Three Bridges, Tinsley Green and Horley.
Available to hire are rowing boats, Laser Pico's, Toppers, Optimists and a Wayfarer for holders of a RYA level 2 or above qualification. Also available for hire are rowing boats, kayaks, canoes and mountain bikes. The latest up and coming sport is standup paddleboarding which is starting to catch on. The boat house was subject to deliberate Arson on 24 September 2013 and a number of kayaks were destroyed in the fire.
Mountain biking
A variety of forest trails have been established for both beginners and experienced riders through Tilgate Forest, under the banner of the British Schools Cycling Association.
Go Ape
is tree climbing and zip trekking adventure park constructed in the tree tops of Tilgate Park. The course is constructed of rope ladders, zip-lines, rope bridges, trapezes and swings and is located above the lake near to the former "Inn on the park".
Park Run
A 5K park run takes place every week in which part of the course circumnavigates the whole of Tilgate lake. Up to 300 runners take part in the run and the event has been in progress since 9 June 2013. The quickest times run by a male have been Neil Boniface in 15 minutes 39 seconds on 21 Sept 2013, Nick Duggan 15 minutes 38 seconds on 26 July 2014. Neil Boniface again in 15 minutes 32 seconds on 21 June 2014, and the best ever time was recorded by James Westlake of 15 minutes and 31 seconds on 15 July 2017. In the ladies, Fiona Clark set the pace with 18 minutes 14 seconds on 16 June 2012, which was beaten by Hannah Brooks setting the best ever time of 17 minutes 50 seconds on 29 September 2012. This time was run close twice by Julie Briggs on 1 June 2013 and 21 June 2014 recording 18 minutes and 6 seconds on both occasions.
Angling
This is a day ticket water with tickets available form Crawley Borough Council with many fish species available to be caught at Tilgate lake, including carp, pike to over 30 lb, tench and bronze bream to 7 lb, perch, crucian carp, roach and rudd. The largest known carp successfully landed at Tilgate was 34lb 8oz caught by Clive Sharpe in 2006. The largest known pike ever captured from Tilgate was 32lb 8oz caught by C.Voss in 1986. The largest known tench on record is a fine 6lb 8oz specimen landed by Nick Ardley in 2006.
Swimming
Tilgate lake is used as an official NOWCA venue for open water swimming, every Thursday evening 6.30 to 8.30pm from 2 May to 26 September 2019. All swimmers compulsorily wear a NOWCA Safety Wristband when they swim, which is scanned on entering and exiting the lake for safety reasons, and recording time and distance.
