Lake LaVerne Improvements Project

Conceptual designs

Initial drawings by Shive-Hattery Architecture and Engineering.

Overhead view, west (left) to east.

Overhead view, looking south.

Overhead view of the amphitheater and outdoor classroom.

View from the boardwalk, looking east toward the Memorial Union.

Looking east (toward the Memorial Union), with the pedestrian bridge named for Tahira K. Hira in the foreground.

Night view, looking east (toward the Memorial Union), with the pedestrian bridge named for Tahira K. Hira in the foreground.

Looking north at the ampitheater.

Looking west, toward the amphitheater and outdoor classroom.

Looking south from the overlook at Union Drive and Welch Road.

Looking southwest, toward the amphitheater and outdoor classroom.

Looking southwest, toward the amphitheater and outdoor classroom.

Lake depth by the numbers

  • Center

    Projected: 12 feet, up from 5.5 feet

  • Average

    Projected: 5 feet, up from 3 feet

  • Sediment

    Was up to 8 feet in some locations

Planned improvements

Lake LaVerne is undergoing a renovation to remove decades of sediment, stabilize the shoreline, and construct several new spaces that will provide users exciting new ways to enjoy the area around the lake. When the project is completed in 2027, the area around the lake will be named Tahira Hira Park.

Expanded path and seating

An accessible path and seating area along the north shoreline will allow visitors to be near the water level and enjoy a variety of seating options.

Shoreline stabilization

Limestone outcroppings and native plantings will stabilize the shoreline in key areas to protect the shoreline from erosion.

Plaza

A new plaza near the intersection of Morrill Road and Lincoln Way will provide access to the lake edge, frame views of Lake LaVerne, and provide a work platform for lake maintenance activities.

Pedestrian bridge

A new pedestrian bridge, named for Tahira K. Hira, will connect the north and south shores of Lake LaVerne.

Amphitheater

A new amphitheater on the hillside south of Lake LaVerne will provide a venue for scheduled performances and events and informal gatherings.

Project timeline

2026: Spring/Summer

Remove shoreline trees. 
— 
Remove sediment and excavate parts of the lake bottom. 
— 
Stabilize the shoreline.

2026: Fall, through November

Place more than 400 tons of large limestone slabs to stabilize the shoreline. 
— 
Construct the north seating and southeast plaza features. 
— 
Add plantings to landscape. 

2027: Spring through Fall

Add amphitheater on the south hillside.
— 
Construct the Tahira K. Hira Bridge across the western section of the lake.
— 
Continue gradual refill of the lake.

Project progress

Water level as pumping continues on June 9, 2026.

Pumping water out on June 9, 2026.

Digging to create a low water collection area as pumping continued on June 9, 2026.

Crews excavating sediment from Lake LaVerne uncovered a cannon on June 25, 2026.

Dredge work as of July 30, 2026.

Dredge work as of July 30, 2026.

Dredge work as of July 27, 2026, looking west toward Friley Hall.

Dredge work as of July 27, 2026, looking west toward Friley Hall.

Looking back at Lake LaVerne

University Archives and Special Collections

1916

Original lake construction funded by LaVerne Noyes and supervised by O.C. Simonds

1934

Lake reconstructed by Civilian Conservation Corps including College Creek bypass channel.

1935

Swans, Lancelot and Elaine, introduced.

1959

Lake dredged.

1963

Second College Creek bypass constructed.

1995

Lake restoration project ,including dredging.

Lake LaVerne in 1910.
Historical shot showing ice skaters on Lake LaVerne.
Swan boat on Lake LaVerne during VEISHEA 1935.
Lake LaVerne in 1954.
Lake LaVerne after the 1996 restoration project.

Clockwise from top left: Lake LaVerne in 1910, ice skating (unknown date), Lake LaVerne in 1954, 1996 restoration project, a swan boat launched during VEISHEA 1935. Pictures courtesy of University Archives/Special Collections.