On a beautiful, sunny, day the grand opening of Flanagan Lake near 168th and Fort was held Wednesday morning. It's main function is to provide flood protection for citizens as far south as Papillion, but there will be plenty of recreational opportunities on the 730 acre site, including a 220-acre lake, five-mile hiking/biking trail and penty of park and green space.
The lake will provide storage room for rainwater with a controlled release out of its drain and it opens the door to new recreational opportunities combining more than five miles of trails with a boat dock, picnic area and a plan for a playground.
The lake has been stocked with large mouth bass, black crappie, blue gill and northern pike. Papio NRD General Manager John Winkler says, "Omahans are eagerly waiting," the new recreational opportunities but, "flood control is the number-one reason for this reservoir." "It's flood protection with some amazing cherries on top."
The lake is named for Boys Town founder, Fr. Edward Flanagan, and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert said the name selection was easy. "Flanagan received more nominations than any other," she said.
Omaha Parks and Recreation Director Brook Bench said this is a project that's been nine years in the making.
City and state officials and dozens of lake users attending the ceremony got a little extra time to take in the scenery. A construction crew hit a gas line by the boat dock during nearby. An MUD crew was called in to fix it while everyone was kept in place.