Aurora Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aurora Reservoir |
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 Aurora Reservoir
Location in Colorado
Aurora Reservoir
Location in the United States
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| Location | Aurora, Colorado |
| Coordinates | 39°37′09″N 104°39′40″W / 39.61917°N 104.66111°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Senac Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 2.2 mi (3.5 km) |
| Max. width | 1.6 mi (2.6 km) |
| Surface area | 800 acres (3.2 km2) |
| Water volume | 39×106 m3 (32,000 acre⋅ft) |
| Surface elevation | 5,950 ft (1,810 m) |
Aurora Reservoir is a large lake located in the southeastern part of Aurora, Colorado. It holds a huge amount of water, about 39 million cubic meters! Smaller streams like Senac Creek flow into the reservoir. These streams fill its three main coves: Senac, Marina, and Lone Tree.
This reservoir is very important for the city of Aurora. It provides clean drinking water for many homes. It is also a fantastic place for outdoor activities and fun.
History of Aurora Reservoir
The Aurora Reservoir was filled with water in 1990. Its main purpose was to supply drinking water to the city of Aurora. It was also designed to be a place where people could enjoy themselves.
When it was first built, the reservoir was quite far from the city. Miles of open prairie separated it from neighborhoods. People sometimes called its location "Aurora's Outback."
However, the area around the reservoir has grown a lot. Many new homes have been built nearby. Large communities like Beacon Point and Southshore are now very close. Other developments, such as the Southlands Lifestyle Center and schools like Cherokee Trail High School, are also in the area.
Fun at Aurora Reservoir
The Aurora Reservoir has become a very popular spot for recreation. More and more people from the Denver–Aurora Metropolitan Area visit it. There are many exciting things to do here.
- Swimming: There is a small beach where you can swim during certain times of the year.
- Boating: You can use boats on the reservoir. However, only electric boats are allowed. This rule helps keep the water clean and safe for drinking.
- Trails: An 8.5-mile trail goes around the reservoir. It's perfect for jogging, biking, or just taking a walk.
- SCUBA Diving: The reservoir is a surprisingly popular place for diving. There's a special beach and area for SCUBA divers. In 1994, a small airplane, a Cessna 310, was deliberately sunk. It rests about 30 feet below the surface. This makes for a cool underwater sight for divers! Many local dive schools use this spot for training.
- Fishing: Fishing is also very popular here. You can catch different types of fish, like Trout, Walleye, and Catfish. In fact, a record for the largest catfish caught in Colorado was set here in 2010!
The reservoir also hosts various community events. These include triathlons, sailing camps, and other local gatherings throughout the year.
