A history

Lee Lake is a 150-acre regional park centrally located in Bartlesville, providing a variety of recreational entertainment not found in other parks throughout the city. The park, located near Adams Boulevard and Silver Lake Road, includes a 16-acre urban fishing lake, boat ramp and dock, soccer fields, disc golf course, dog park, and skate park.

Funding for the lake park came, in part, from a federal grant from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, as well as funds from the sale of the former City-owned BarDew Lake. The project was identified as part of the City’s 2008 half-cent sales tax Capital Improvement Projects, disclosed to voters during the 2008 Capital Improvement Projects election.

Lee Lake was created as part of an urban fishing program, designed to teach children how to fish. The bottom of the lake was reshaped to include both shallow and deeper areas, as well as rolling terrain – an optimal fish habitat. The lake is stocked with channel catfish, sunfish (perch), and largemouth bass. According to a City ordinance, harvesting of bass is not allowed. Harvesting of catfish is limited to six per day.

While the lake serves primarily as a fishing lake, “no wake” vessels – watercraft that do not exceed 5mph – are allowed. Permitted vessels include boats, kayaks, canoes, sailboats, rowboats, paddleboards, and float tubes. Personal watercraft, such as jet skis, are prohibited. Boating permits are not required; however, Oklahoma fishing licenses are required at all City-owned reservoirs, in accordance with state law. Swimming is also strictly prohibited.

Lee Lake also includes the Bartlesville Skate Park, a public skating area intended for the use of skateboards, inline skates, quad skates, BMX bicycles, and non-motorized scooters. The use of speed skates, motorized vehicles, electric/gas-powered scooters, and skateboards greater than 34 inches in length are prohibited. All skaters under the age of 10 are required to be accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age. Helmets are required by all participants at all times on the skating surface. Other protective gear, such as knee and elbow pads, wrist supports, and closed-toed shoes, are strongly encouraged. Food, beverages, and smoking are prohibited within the confines of the skating area, and animals are not allowed.

Fun Facts

  • Lee Lake was originally used as a borrow pit – an area where dirt is stored – during the widening of Adams Boulevard.
  • The soccer complex, Daniels Fields, also serves as the area’s first cricket field. Daniels Fields are the only lighted soccer fields in the city.
  • Water for the lake came from the pumping of Turkey Creek.
  • The Bartlesville Skate Park was constructed to replace a smaller skate park previously located at Johnstone Park.

Park Amenities

  • Urban fishing lake, boat ramp, and dock
  • Charlie Daniels Fields, a lighted adult soccer complex
  • Cooper Dog Park
  • Bartlesville Skate Park
  • Public restrooms
  • Lighted walking/jogging path
  • Trails connecting to Pathfinder Parkway
  • Disc golf course