Lake Hefner

Lake Hefner is a reservoir in northwestern Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It was built in 1947 to expand the water supply for the city of Oklahoma City.[1] It is named after Robert A. Hefner, who served as mayor of Oklahoma City from April 11, 1939 to April 8, 1947. It also serves as a major recreational destination, as it is surrounded by 9.5 miles (15.3 km) of bicycle trails.

Lake Hefner
Lake Hefner
Lake Hefner
LocationOklahoma City, Oklahoma
Coordinates35.567820°N 97.595740°W / 35.567820; -97.595740
Lake typereservoir
Basin countriesUnited States
Surface area2,500 acres (1,000 ha)
Average depth29 ft (8.8 m)
Max. depth94 ft (29 m)
Water volume75,000 acre⋅ft (93,000,000 m3)
SettlementsOklahoma City, Oklahoma

Description

The capacity of the lake is 75,000 acre-feet.[2] Lake Hefner covers 2,500 acres (10 km²) and averages 29 feet (9 m) deep.

The lake is situated within the Oklahoma City urban area and is subsequently closely bordered by residential areas to the north, west, and east. The Lake Hefner Dam is located along the entire northern side of the lake. Lake Hefner Parkway borders the east side of the lake. The south side is the least developed, retaining the original forest along much of the shore. Lake Hefner Golf Course is located on the southwest corner of the lake. Immediately south of this are the Oklahoma City docks, commonly known as the city-side docks, the largest marina on the lake. The other marina on Lake Hefner is the Oklahoma City Boat Club (OCBC), a private organization that holds weekly sailboat races during the summer and is located on the east side. Just north of the OCBC is the East Wharf area, which contains several fairly upscale restaurants. On the south side of the lake is the Hobie Point, a YMCA sailing school, and Stars and Stripes Park. The Oklahoma Radio Kontrol Society (TORKS) has maintained a Radio Control air field since the early 1970s.

Recreation

Hefner is also a popular recreational fishing spot for Oklahoma City residents, and is populated with a variety of gamefish species including largemouth & smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, bluegill, black crappie, as well as white bass and hybrid striped bass.

Additionally, Hefner is a popular site for recreational boating, both with sailboats and motorized pleasure craft. Kiteboarding is also very popular on Hefner due to the excellent wind they receive all summer.

References
  1. Lake Hefner, OKC The City of Oklahoma City Accessed August 28, 2015.
  2. Brad Sowder (19 February 2015). "Lake Hefner water levels take a plunge". KOCO. Retrieved 4 September 2015.
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