Lake Arlington
Lake Arlington | |
---|---|
Human-made lake, detention lake | |
Basin countries | United States of America |
Surface area | 50-acre (20 ha) |
Lake Arlington is a human-made, 50-acre (20 ha) detention lake in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights, Illinois. The lake's average depth is between 5 and 7 feet (1.5 and 2.1 m).[1]
History
In the early 1980s, the land now containing Lake Arlington was purchased from local farmers by the Village of Arlington Heights for a sum of $2 million. With the goal of creating a stormwater detention basin for McDonald Creek, construction of the lake began in 1985. This project, costing Arlington Heights and surrounding suburbs $9 million, resulted in the 50 acres (20 ha) lake.
In 1990, the Arlington Heights Park District revealed plans to develop the land surrounding the lake into a park. On September 22, 1990, the land was ceremonially given to the park district by the village. According to the Chicago Tribune, the initial development plan was estimated to "cost about $1.75 million" and was to "include a lighted parking lot for 64 cars, boat docks and storage, a fishing dock, a bicycle path, and most likely a playground and a small building with a concession stand and washrooms."[1] The park officially opened on June 6, 1992, and all phases of the project were completed by 1995.[2]
Facilities
Today, the lake and its surrounding land is located in a 93-acre park known collectively as Lake Arlington. Facilities include an exercise area, two playgrounds, a fishing pier, a 2.4 miles (3.9 km) walking and bike path, picnic areas, washrooms, a concession stand, and a boat dock. Canoes, rowboats, kayaks, crew boats, and sailboats can be stored in the boathouse, and sailboats and paddle-boats are available for rent during the summer and fall.[3] While there is a small strip of sand along part of the lake, swimming and wading are not permitted.
Wildlife
Aside from the lake itself, Lake Arlington consists of wooded areas, tall-grass thickets, and 11 acres (4.5 ha) of wetland. The diversity of biomes within the park allow visitors to observe several species of native animals. Resident birds include the
References
- ^ a b "Arlington Lake Park on Its Way," Christine Winter, The Chicago Tribune (Sept. 25, 1990).
- ^ History – Arlington Heights Park District
- ^ a b Lake Arlington – Arlington Heights Park District