KU VG 2024–25 DM Accessible - Flipbook - Page 34
NATURAL PLACES
POTTER LAKE
Lined with plants and trees on the northwest slope of Campanile Hill, Potter Lake
provides one of the most scenic spots on
KU’s campus. In the fall of 1910, the Kansas
Board of Regents decided to construct a
reservoir on the north side of campus that
would serve as a water supply in case of a
fire. By March 1911, the dam and the pump
house were complete and Potter Lake
(named for State Sen. T.M. Potter) was
formed. The original two-acre lake was used
for public swimming until the city built
a public pool in 1927. Smaller today at 1.5
acres, Potter Lake is used as a storm water
retention pond, and swimming is prohibited. In May 2024, a major project began
to dredge the lake, rebuild portions of the
original edge wall, and improve the spillway
and sediment basin. When it naturally refills
in 12-18 months, it will be home again to
some aquatic life, including water lilies,
duckweed, several breeds of turtles, bluegill,
catfish, bass, carp, koi, and goldfish. State
fishing laws and regulations apply to the
lake. Canoes or non-motorized boats are
permitted for regularly scheduled academic
classes, research, and maintenance.
34 The University of Kansas
