Fallen Leaf Lake (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fallen Leaf Lake |
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Location | Camas, Clark County, Washington |
Coordinates | 45°36′05″N 122°24′38″W / 45.60139°N 122.41056°W |
Basin countries | United States |
Fallen Leaf Lake, once known as Dead Lake, is a beautiful lake located in Camas, Washington. It's a special place with an interesting history that has changed over time.
For many years, the land around Fallen Leaf Lake was privately owned. Today, it is a popular city park for everyone to enjoy.
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The Lake's Name and Early History
Fallen Leaf Lake got its first name, Dead Lake, from a cemetery that used to be nearby. This cemetery was called Dead Lake Cemetery.
Moving the Cemetery Graves
In 1984, all the graves from Dead Lake Cemetery were carefully moved. They were relocated to the main Camas Cemetery. This important change helped prepare the area around the lake for its future as a public space.
From Private Land to Public Park
For many decades, the land surrounding Fallen Leaf Lake belonged to a local paper mill in Camas. This mill was a big part of the town's history and economy.
Ownership by Large Companies
More recently, the paper mill was owned by a company called Georgia-Pacific Corporation. This company is part of an even larger group known as Koch Industries. These large companies owned the land around the lake for a long time.
Becoming a City Park
In 2011, something exciting happened for the community. The City of Camas, Washington bought the land around Fallen Leaf Lake. They purchased it from the company that owned it at the time. The city's plan was to turn this beautiful area into a public park for everyone to visit and enjoy.
Today, Fallen Leaf Lake is a wonderful place where people can relax, play, and connect with nature. It's a great example of how a place can change and become a valuable resource for a community.