![]() ![]() There are two marinas to dock a boat after a day of fishing, with nine boat ramps and two beaches made for swimming in the man-made lake. The lake is well stocked with sunfish, saugeye, largemouth bass, and more for visitors fishing pleasure. Originally created for drinking water, Lake Thunderbird now serves a number of purposes, including recreation year-round for water and land lovers alike. Derived from the Native American myth of the Thunderbird, the name symbolizes power and strength. McKenzie won with the name Lake Thunderbird. In a contest of over 3,000 submissions to pick a name for the lake, a woman named Louie L. Soon after, water filled the 7,220 feet long dam, which became the Little River Reservoir. Bureau of Reclamation, the dam and lake were dedicated on the first of October 1965. The Oklahoma State Highway 9, which ran through the soon-to-be reservoir, was rerouted south to make room for the construction. A seven-year-long study started in 1954 led to a detailed plan for the Norman Dam to begin construction in 1962. In 1953, local governments of the neighboring towns Norman, Midwest City, Del City, Moore, and the Tinker Air Base raised another proposal, citing research that forecasted a water shortage by the 1970s or 80s. As years passed, the issue of water supply did not dissipate. Elected leaders, city officials, and chambers of commerce reasoned that the area would reach its limit of expansion without a better supply of water for use by its residents.Ī plan for a reservoir was proposed in 1947, but army engineers turned it down. The History of Lake ThunderbirdĬentral Oklahoma in the 1940s and 50s was growing rapidly, but one obstacle was preventing further growth. It offers countless recreational activities and a water supply to neighboring towns, but just 60 years ago there was a popular highway in this exact location and no lake to be found. Lake Thunderbird in Norman, OK, and its surrounding park area is beloved by those in the central Oklahoma region. Thunderbird Tomorrow: Priorities and opportunities for the future, including takeaways from student concept design exercises.Norman offers many things to do like watch football, visit museums, and countless outdoor activities. Thunderbird Today: The present assets and challenges at Lake Thunderbird, and analysis of Lake Thunderbird’s offerings for day- and overnight-users compared with peer lakes in the region. Thunderbird Yesterday: Important historical and cultural context for Lake Thunderbird. Stakeholders feel that select improvements at Lake Thunderbird are a key part of advancing Norman’s quality of life and attracting more regional visitors to the park.īased on the design proposals, community engagement, and research, the following contents are summarized in this report: Lake Thunderbird State Park is a regional destination located east of Norman. In 2021, a partnership of stakeholders based in Norman, Oklahoma proposed a collaboration to focus on improvements to Lake Thunderbird. This program is sponsored in part by the Oklahoma Municipal League. IQC works with the community partner to craft a project where students and faculty at the Gibbs College of Architecture (GCA) can develop and apply their skills in a real-world scenario. Each year, the University of Oklahoma Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) invites advocates and stakeholders from Oklahoma communities to request assistance on planning and design of communities.
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