Naraghi Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Naraghi Lake |
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 Naraghi Lake
Location in California
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| Location | Modesto, Stanislaus County, California |
| Coordinates | 37°40′55″N 120°57′37″W / 37.68194°N 120.96028°W |
| Type | artificial lake |
| Surface area | 13 acres (5.3 ha) |
Naraghi Lake is a special kind of lake called an artificial lake. It's located in the city of Modesto, which is in Stanislaus County, California. This lake covers about 13 acres of land.
Contents
History of Naraghi Lake
How the Lake Was Created
Naraghi Lake was dug out in the 1980s. It was meant to be part of a much bigger plan. The idea was to build many water features for a large area with homes and shops. This big project was going to be on both sides of Oakdale Road.
Why the Project Stopped
The lake is named after the Naraghi family. They used to own a lot of land in the area. They were the ones who first planned this big development. But soon after the lake was dug, the Naraghi family's project stopped. This happened because of money problems and issues with the market. The lake was the only part of the big plan that was ever finished.
The Lake Today
The land around the lake was later sold and developed by other people. However, the Naraghi family still owns the lake itself. For a while, people could go fishing and enjoy other fun activities at the lake.
Why the Lake Was Fenced
In 2004, things changed. The Naraghi family decided to put a fence around the lake. This was because of safety worries. Also, people were putting invasive species into the lake. These were fish that didn't belong there, including some that were related to piranhas. These new fish could harm the lake's natural environment.
Future Plans for the Lake
Over the years, many ideas have been discussed for the lake and the land around it. Some people thought about turning it into a city park. Others suggested building private homes or apartment buildings nearby. But most of these plans haven't happened. This is because there isn't much land left around the lake to build on.
Geography of Naraghi Lake
Size and Water Source
Naraghi Lake has a surface area of about 13 acres. It gets its water from canals and pipelines managed by the Modesto Irrigation District (MID).
How the Lake Was Built
The lake was made by digging a large hole in the ground. The area around Modesto is mostly flat, so this was a big digging job! To make sure the water stayed in the lake and didn't just sink into the ground, the bottom and sides were lined with a special material called bentonite. This material helps to seal the lake.
Fish and Wildlife in Naraghi Lake
Fish Species You Might Find
Even though it's an artificial lake, Naraghi Lake is home to many kinds of fish. Some of the fish commonly found here include Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, and Catfish. You might also spot Spotted Bass, White Bass, Striped Bass, and Trout.
Other Animals at the Lake
Besides fish, other wildlife also lives in and around Naraghi Lake. You can often see ducks swimming on the water. Geese also visit the lake, adding to the natural beauty of the area.
