Synergy Park Activity
by Kathy White
Title
Synergy Park Activity
Artist
Kathy White
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Situated among towering pines and native woodlands surrounding a 10-acre lake, Synergy Park/Elder Lake includes nature trails that are designed to provide welcome respite for park residents on busy workdays and the City of Kilgore, Texas and its neighboring community. Synergy Park contains a 512 acre business park, but in the midst of it lies this beautiful gem. I had been told that this park was a perfect place for photos of family, children, couples, etc. So, on this day, I went there with a scheduled family shoot and found out for myself that "they" were right! There are nature trails, a beautiful lake, bridges, railings, rock formations, brick walls, pine trees and wooded areas, concrete benches and all sorts of places to take photos.
The abundance of native trees on a 900 acre tract, including this property, was the reason for the J.S. and Frank Elder family to move their sawmill to this area back in the early 1900's. In 1938, construction began of a 10 acre lake fed by a natural spring here. They engineered a dam that created the lake and stocked it with Caddo Lake white perch. The lake and area surrounding it became a favorite recreational spot for the Elder family and friends.
The main entrance to the park today is flanked by the original stone columns that once held the gate to Elder Lake. Back in the day, J. S. Elder was in charge of the upkeep of the property and hired a crew to construct the native rock structures that can be seen throughout the park, marking the pathways and bridges. The City of Kilgore Economic Development Board purchased the land from the J.S. and Frank Elder families in 1998. The Elder family had owned the sawmill on the land and had also built their homes there. The pavilion located there now is built on one of the old homesites. The lake sees quite a few fishing enthusiasts as well as families hiking, picnicking...and photographers. I really enjoyed seeing the park and discovering some of those treasured spots and will definitely be back to see more.
An added bonus on this excursion was the beautiful trees that were full of vibrant color. It is December and they are just beginning to lose their leaves, but it was absolutely gorgeous. The colors reflecting into the water made for a wonderful view!
Uploaded
December 11th, 2012
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Viewed 137 Times - Last Visitor from Fairfield, CT on 04/25/2024 at 2:53 AM
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