History of Lodi Lake

Lodi Lake began as a small seasonal lake formed by the Mokelumne River flooding during the winter. In 1889, a group of farmers established the Woodbridge Canal & Irrigation Company and built a wooden dam along the river to provide irrigation for their crops during the summer months. As a result, the lake expanded and became known as Smith’s Lake, named after Charles Smith, who owned 80 acres of land around it. His daughter Estella, who took over lake management after his death, welcomed visitors to enjoy rowing, swimming and picnicking.

In 1910, the lake grew even larger when the Company built a concrete dam to better control the water supply throughout the year. In 1934, Louis T. Mason sold the lake to the City of Lodi for $7,924.39, with the condition they use it as a municipal park. In the 1930s and 40s, the City expanded the park further as landowners gifted or sold surrounding parcels of land to the City. Over the years, Lodi Lake has hosted iconic events, including the Grape Festival, Independence Day fireworks and community celebrations, solidifying its place as the heart of local recreation.

There was a short-lived plan to turn Lodi Lake into a California State Park, but that plan stopped when a developer built luxury housing in the middle of the potential park land. In the 1970s, there was another push by developers to turn the Nature Area into a golf course, but local activists successfully opposed the plan at a City Council meeting. Since then, the lake has been preserved as a haven for both people and wildlife. Today, Lodi Lake is a cherished public recreation space, offering trails, boating, and an opportunity to connect with nature.