Lake Vaquero facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Vaquero |
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 Lake Vaquero
Location in Kansas
Lake Vaquero
Location in the United States
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| Location | Shawnee County, Kansas |
| Coordinates | 39°00′39″N 95°48′04″W / 39.0108°N 95.8011°W |
| Lake type | manmade freshwater lake |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 306 acres (124 ha) |
| Max. depth | approx. 27 ft (8 m) |
| Surface elevation | 1,004 ft (306 m) |
| Settlements | just southwest of Topeka, Kansas |
Lake Vaquero is a private lake located near Topeka, Kansas. It's a special kind of lake because it was made by people, not by nature. A large wall, called a dam, holds the water in place on its southwest side.
The lake is surrounded by roads and neighborhoods. To the east is Indian Hills Road, El Cerrito Drive is to the south, Lagito Drive is on the west, and SW 29th Street is to the north. Lake Vaquero can hold a lot of water, usually about 306 acres worth. If it were completely full, it could hold even more!
Contents
Discovering Lake Vaquero's History
Lake Vaquero was built a long time ago, in the early 1960s. Since then, many houses have been built all around it. Now, the lake is completely surrounded by homes.
Keeping the Lake Clean
Over the years, dirt and mud from nearby building sites and fields have washed into the lake. This makes the bottom of the lake silty. To keep the lake healthy and deep enough, it has to be cleaned out regularly. This process is called dredging. It means removing the extra mud and silt from the bottom.
Making the Dam Stronger
In 2010, the people who own the lake, known as the Vaquero Lake Club, had to make some important updates. They needed to make the dam even stronger and safer. This was to protect people and property that are located downstream, or below, the dam.
Enjoying Activities at Lake Vaquero
Since Lake Vaquero is a private lake, only members of the Vaquero Lake Club can use it. These members get to enjoy lots of fun activities! They can go boating, fishing, and swimming at the lake's beach. It's a great place for outdoor fun!
