The public is invited to learn about rehabilitation plans for one of Oklahoma City’s most iconic water structures, the Overholser Dam, during a town hall meeting on Tuesday, April 22, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The meeting will take place at The Fellowship at Western Oaks, 7901 NW 16th Street, and is being hosted by the WesTen District. Doors open at 5 p.m. Residents are encouraged to arrive before the 5:30 meeting start time. The Fellowship Hall is located on the northeast corner of the property, behind the main church.
Engineers with the Oklahoma City Utilities Department will be on hand to discuss the dam’s historic past, its current state and future rehabilitation plans related to its flood gates, concrete spillway and general structure.
“This is a significant project for us, both in terms of our water infrastructure as well as the history of our community. When it opened, the Overholser Dam reshaped Oklahoma City’s economic future and helped to create the city we live in today,” Utilities Director Chris Browning said.
The historic dam opened in 1918 to impound and control water flow from the North Canadian River into what is now known as Lake Overholser. Lake Overholser was the first dedicated surface water reservoir constructed by the City to provide water for the city’s growing population. Residents voted to fund the dam’s construction in 1916 at a cost of $1.6 million. It took two years to build. Since then, the dam has become a favorite landmark for Oklahoma City residents who enjoy visiting Lake Overholser for fishing, boating or a scenic stroll across the lake. The dam was entered into the National Register for Historic Places in 2007.