Valley Water Mill Pond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Valley Water Mill Pond |
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| Valley Water Mill Lake | |
 Valley Water Mill Pond
Location in Missouri
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| Location | Missouri, United States |
| Coordinates | 37°15′49″N 93°14′51″W / 37.2636°N 93.2476°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Surface area | 13 acres (5.3 ha) |
| Average depth | 14 feet (4.3 m) |
Valley Water Mill Pond is a 13-acre (about 5.3 hectares) lake located just north of Springfield, Missouri, in the United States. It is a special type of lake called a reservoir. A reservoir is like a big storage tank for water, often created by building a dam across a river or stream. This pond is managed by two groups: the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks and the Missouri Conservation Department. The water in the pond comes from natural springs, which helps keep it very clear. People can see more than 4 feet (1.2 meters) deep into the water using a special tool called a Secchi disk.
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Fun at Valley Water Mill Park
Valley Water Mill Pond is part of Valley Water Mill Park. This park is a great place to visit! It has many things for people to enjoy, including hiking trails where you can explore nature. There is also a conference center and a picnic area, perfect for family outings or group events.
Fishing at the Pond
The pond has two fishing docks, making it easy to cast a line. You can also fish from the banks around the water. While fishing is allowed and very popular, boating and swimming are not permitted. This helps protect the water quality and the wildlife in the pond.
Many types of fish live in Valley Water Mill Pond, making it a fun spot for anglers. Common fish you might catch include:
History of Valley Water Mill
The story of Valley Water Mill Pond goes back a long time. The very first dam here was built in the 1850s. Its purpose was to hold water for McCracken Mill, which was a local grist mill. A grist mill is a type of mill that grinds grain, like corn or wheat, into flour.
Pond Reconstruction and Reopening
In 1957, the city of Springfield and Greene County bought the lake and the land that would later become the park. Many years later, in 2008, the lake and its dam were rebuilt. This reconstruction made the reservoir deeper, reaching a maximum depth of 14 feet (about 4.3 meters). After the rebuilding work was finished, Valley Water Mill Pond was reopened for fishing in 2012.
