Cross Lake (Shreveport, Louisiana) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cross Lake |
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 Cross Lake
Location in Louisiana
Cross Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Caddo Parish, Louisiana, United States |
| Coordinates | 32°30′08″N 93°50′41″W / 32.502155°N 93.844669°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 8,575 acres (34.70 km2) |
Cross Lake (which is Lac de la Croix in French) is a large lake near Shreveport, Louisiana. It covers about 8,575 acres, which is roughly 34.7 square kilometers. This lake is super important because it provides all the drinking water for the city of Shreveport.
You'll see lots of mossy cypress trees along its edges. It's a popular spot for fishing and recreational boating. The lake is also home to many animals like waterfowl (birds that live near water) and alligators. There are many places to visit, some shops, and two public parks around the lake.
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Discover Cross Lake: Shreveport's Water Supply
Cross Lake is more than just a pretty place; it's a vital resource for Shreveport. The city relies on this lake for its entire water supply. This means the lake's health is very important for everyone living in the area.
The lake is a reservoir, which is a special kind of artificial lake. It was built to store water for the city. This helps make sure there's always enough clean water for homes and businesses.
Fun Things to Do at Cross Lake
Cross Lake is a great place for outdoor activities. Many people visit to enjoy its natural beauty and have fun.
Boating and Fishing
If you love being on the water, Cross Lake is perfect for boating. You can enjoy a relaxing ride or try out water sports. Fishing is also very popular here. The lake is stocked with different kinds of fish, making it a good spot for anglers of all ages.
Wildlife Watching
The lake is home to a variety of wildlife. You might spot many types of waterfowl, like ducks and geese, swimming on the water. Keep an eye out for alligators too, as they live in the lake's waters. It's a great place to observe nature.
Parks and Access
There are several places where you can easily get to the lake. You'll find a few commercial spots and two public parks. One of these is Ford Park, which is a fun place for recreation right on the lake's shore.
How Cross Lake Was Created
Cross Lake wasn't always a large reservoir. It became what it is today thanks to the efforts of the City of Shreveport.
Early Development
The City of Shreveport first gained ownership of the land where Cross Lake is now during the time of John H. Eastman, who was the Mayor of Shreveport.
Building the Reservoir
Later, the Cross Lake Reservoir was built. This big project happened when Lee Emmett Thomas was the Mayor. Building a reservoir involves creating a dam to hold back water, forming a large lake.
Stocking the Lake
After the reservoir was built, the lake was made even better for fishing. Under Mayor Sam Caldwell, Cross Lake was stocked with fish. This means that young fish were added to the lake to help create a healthy fish population for people to catch.
Ford Park's Name
Ford Park, one of the recreational areas on the lake, is named after John McW. Ford. He was a former mayor and also worked as a finance commissioner for the city.
