Walter Wirth Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Walter Wirth Lake |
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 Walter Wirth Lake
Location in Oregon
Walter Wirth Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Salem, Oregon |
| Coordinates | 44°54.6′N 122°59.4′W / 44.9100°N 122.9900°W |
| Type | Quarry Lake |
| Primary inflows | Mill Creek |
| Primary outflows | Mill Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 20.56 acres (83,200 m2) |
| Islands | 0.34-acre (1,400 m2) unnamed |
Walter Wirth Lake, also known as Lake Wirth, is a beautiful lake located in Salem, Oregon, in the United States. This lake is completely inside Cascades Gateway Park, a popular spot for outdoor fun.
Discover Walter Wirth Lake
Walter Wirth Lake is a cool place to visit in Salem. It's part of Cascades Gateway Park, which offers lots of activities. The lake is a great example of how old industrial sites can become useful parks.
How the Lake Began
The story of Walter Wirth Lake started in 1957. Back then, the area was a large hole where people dug up gravel. This kind of hole is called a gravel pit. The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce worked with the State Highway Department to turn this pit into a park.
When the park first opened, it had many fun things to do. You could go swimming in the lake or ride paddle boats. There was even a children's zoo and places to buy snacks.
Lake Health and Activities
In 1976, a group called the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality studied the lake. They found that some pollution from upstream was affecting the water. Because of this, swimming in the lake was stopped for a while to keep everyone safe.
But don't worry, things got better! Since then, the lake has hosted many programs. People can enjoy canoeing, sailing, and fishing there. Today, the good news is that Walter Wirth Lake is open for swimming again, so you can cool off on a hot day!
