Hidden Lake: A Community Effort

Hidden Lake has long been part of everyday life for those living nearby. Fishing, kayaking, walking the trails, and picking blackberries in the summer—it’s a place that’s shaped the daily rhythm of the neighborhood for decades.

A view of Hidden Lake

For years, the lake was owned by the El Dorado Irrigation District (EID). But in March 2023, the EID board voted to transfer the property to a community entity. In response, a group of residents formed Friends of Hidden Lake, a 501(c)(7) nonprofit created to take ownership and manage the lake for the benefit of local property owners. Current board members shared their experiences and goals for this community effort.

Ned Popovich, current Board President, and his family have lived in the neighborhood for 14 years. He reflects on his early connection to the lake. “As soon as I moved in, I sent a letter to EID and asked for a key. They sent it, and I’ve often fished there for perch, catfish, and bass. All my dogs have gone down there. We’ve taken the kayak out, walked the trails, picked blackberries. We use it.”

For Alyse Wells, another board member who grew up in the neighborhood, the lake was always part of her childhood. “My grandpa used to scare us with stories about alligators in the lake when I was little,” she said. “But we grew up having summer birthday parties there—tons of kids, fishing, swimming, rope swings from a big old tree. As a pastor, my dad baptized people from our youth group in that lake.”

A Bright Future

That sense of personal history drives the Board’s vision for what Hidden Lake can become. Anne Hansen, founding Board President, put it simply: “I just want it to be a place for the community to come together—for enjoyment, for recreation. I picture kids playing, and families having picnics. I see people putting in sweat equity to make it look good—like a real park in the middle of a neighborhood.”

She added, “People should feel proud of it like Alyse probably did growing up. A shared space that belongs to everyone—older folks, younger kids, everybody. When I bought my place, I didn’t even know the lake was part of it. The seller mentioned it, but no one really took care of it. I thought, 'This is ridiculous.' So I got involved to make it a community asset.”

---

"I picture kids playing, and families having picnics. I see people putting in sweat equity to make it look good—like a real park in the middle of a neighborhood.”

---

That shared vision comes with clear priorities. There is a trail that circles the lake, but two bridges along that trail are broken, making parts of the lake path inaccessible. A floating dock needs repairs. Trash has become a challenge. “I hate seeing trash around,” said Alyse. “My daughter and I try to pick it up when we walk. I want it to be nice—not overly manicured, but somewhere people can walk, fish, maybe even swim again. But it has to be cared for.”

Security and liability are essential priorities. Anne noted that while the goal is to keep the lake accessible to the community, a more innovative system needs to be in place. “There used to be a key system, and we want to bring that back securely and organized. Accessibility, safety, and liability are crucial priorities for the nonprofit to address.”

Coming Together

The good news? The community is ready to help. “People here are used to working hard,” Anne said. “We’ve got people with chainsaws and tools willing to pitch in.” There’s also a need for organized events—not just clean-up days and trail work, but gatherings that bring people together, reinforcing the sense of ownership.

For now, the Board is focused on getting the word out. Many newer residents don’t even know the lake is part of the community, and as things get organized, membership will be key. “Once we start getting the word out,” Alyse said, “I think people will be excited to be part of it.” Residents can become members by registering and paying their annual dues.

Hidden Lake is more than just a body of water. It’s been a backdrop for decades of memories, and now, with a little effort, it can continue to be a space for families, friends, and neighbors to enjoy. Watch for upcoming meetings and volunteer opportunities if you want to get involved. This is the community’s lake now—it’s time to take care of it.