Lake Ella | Tallahassee

Lake Ella is a small, spring-fed urban lake located in the heart of Tallahassee, Florida, and is part of Fred O. Drake Park. Though modest in size—covering approximately 12 acres—Lake Ella plays a major role in the city's cultural life, history, and stormwater management. It has evolved from a utilitarian body of water into one of Tallahassee’s most beloved community gathering spots. Here's a comprehensive look at Lake Ella in detail:

1. Historical Background

Original Name and Use: Before it was known as Lake Ella, the body of water was called Bull Pond or Buhl Pond. During the 19th century, it was an important site for the local African American community. It hosted events such as baptisms and Emancipation Day celebrations after the Civil War. These activities underline the lake’s early spiritual and communal significance.

Name Change and Tourism Growth: In the 1920s, with the rise of automobile travel and tourism, the lake became a popular stop along the Old Spanish Trail, a transcontinental highway stretching from St. Augustine to San Diego. Around this time, the lake was renamed Lake Ella, likely after the daughter of a local landowner or developer.

The Tallahassee Motor Hotel Era: In 1925, a motor court-style hotel was constructed around the lake’s western shore. The hotel included 16 stone cottages, each uniquely styled and designed to cater to road-traveling tourists. These buildings still stand today and now house local businesses, giving the lake its distinctive look and charm.

2. Environmental and Urban Importance

Stormwater Retention Role: Lake Ella is not just scenic—it serves a practical environmental purpose. It’s a stormwater retention basin, collecting runoff from approximately 157 acres of surrounding urban land. This helps manage flooding and prevents pollutants from flowing directly into the nearby Ochlockonee River.

1986 Rehabilitation Project: By the mid-20th century, urban runoff and sedimentation had badly degraded the lake. In 1986, the city undertook a major restoration and environmental engineering project:

The lake was drained and dredged.

Shorelines were reshaped.

An automated alum treatment system was installed to reduce phosphorus and prevent algae growth.

Inlets and outlets were reinforced, and a walking trail was added, integrating public use with environmental stewardship.

3. Fred O. Drake Park and Amenities

Lake Ella is the centerpiece of Fred O. Drake Park, named after a former Tallahassee city commissioner who was instrumental in preserving the lake for public use. The park is compact but full of amenities:

Walking Trail: A 0.8-mile paved loop circles the lake, popular for walking, jogging, and strollers. It’s flat, accessible, and dotted with benches, picnic tables, and shaded areas.

Gazebo and Picnic Areas: The gazebo serves as a popular spot for weddings, performances, and community events. Scattered picnic tables and grassy areas make it ideal for casual outdoor gatherings.

Wildlife Viewing: The lake supports a rich population of ducks, geese, turtles, and other waterfowl. While feeding ducks has been a long-standing tradition, the city now encourages visitors not to feed wildlife to prevent ecological disruption.

Accessibility: The park is fully accessible, including restrooms, parking, and entrances that comply with ADA standards.

4. Cultural and Social Life

Historic Cottages: The preserved stone cottages around the lake have been converted into a unique cluster of local small businesses, such as:

Black Dog Café: A coffeehouse with outdoor seating overlooking the lake.

Quarter Moon Imports: A boutique selling international goods.

Big Easy Snowballs: A seasonal snow cone stand with Louisiana-style treats.
These businesses contribute to the lake's reputation as a community-oriented commercial hub.

Food Truck Thursdays: This is one of Tallahassee’s most popular weekly events. Local food trucks gather on the park’s perimeter every Thursday, accompanied by live music, drawing crowds of families, students, and professionals for lunch or dinner by the lake.

Community Events: Seasonal festivals, art markets, health walks, and holiday celebrations take place at Lake Ella throughout the year. The space supports both casual and organized gatherings.

5. Spiritual and Symbolic Events

Tibetan Monks' Visits (2009–2010): Tibetan Buddhist monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery created sand mandalas at Lake Ella during public art and spirituality events. After days of meticulous sand-painting, they ritually dissolved the mandalas, symbolizing impermanence, and poured the sand into Lake Ella, blessing the space.

Historical Commemorations: The lake occasionally hosts events to honor Emancipation Day and other African American heritage commemorations, remembering its legacy as a sacred site for the community in the 19th century.

6. Conservation and Challenges

Algal Blooms and Pollution: As an urban lake, Lake Ella is still vulnerable to runoff, fertilizer pollution, and algal blooms during hot months. The alum treatment system helps, but ongoing public awareness is critical.

Wildlife Management: There are efforts to prevent overpopulation of non-native geese and to promote healthy habitats for native species.

Community Involvement: Local groups and volunteers help clean the park, report issues, and support restoration projects. The lake is a symbol of urban environmental success combined with cultural preservation.

Conclusion

Lake Ella is far more than a pretty body of water. It’s a historical site, stormwater management system, wildlife refuge, community park, and cultural gathering place—all wrapped into one. With nearly 200 years of layered history, it reflects the social evolution of Tallahassee, from its antebellum days to its present as a modern state capital. Through preservation efforts, environmental design, and strong civic identity, Lake Ella continues to thrive as a peaceful yet vibrant center of urban life.