![]() 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. Norman offers many things to do like watch football, visit museums, and countless outdoor activities.
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