Lake Opeka

Lake Opeka
Location Des Plaines, Illinois
Coordinates 42°00′46″N 87°53′48″W / 42.0127°N 87.8966°W / 42.0127; -87.8966Coordinates: 42°00′46″N 87°53′48″W / 42.0127°N 87.8966°W / 42.0127; -87.8966
Basin countries United States
Surface area 40 acres (16 ha)
References [1]

Lake Opeka is a small, 40 acres (16 ha) lake in Des Plaines, Illinois, with an 18-hole par-3 golf course on its western shore.

On the northern bank is Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Jogging paths run around the east side, where a band shelter is located amongst picnic tables and grills, exercise stations and a playground. The southern end has a volleyball sand pit. Rumor has it that there is a jeep underwater[2] along with an old road.

Fishing is allowed. Bass, bluegill and occasional northern pike are caught. There are small sailboats and paddleboats using the lake. Many ducks are on the water, some large carp and occasional turtles.

On the shores of Lake Opeka, Lake Park is a 60 acres (24 ha) park which offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for all age groups, administered by the Des Plaines Park District.[1]

460 man-hours were spent removing submerged and surface vegetation from the lake, to prevent its becoming a threat to aquatic life (due to its using up the oxygen supply when decomposing). The vegetation consisted of the native slender naiad (Najas flexilis), and an excessive amount of filamentous algae.[3]


References

  1. 1 2 Lake Park, Des Plaines Park District
  2. ↑ "Hooked On Lake". Journal and Topics Online. Retrieved 2017-01-18.
  3. ↑ "LAKE OPEKA ECOLOGY PROJECT:THE BEAUTY AND HEALTH OF LAKE OPEKA RESTORED BY SCIENCE STUDENTS". Des Plaines Park District. Des Plaines Park District. 17 January 2017. Retrieved 17 January 2017.


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