ROGERS — Individuals attending one of two meetings Tuesday on the renovation plan for Lake Atalanta said they were pleased with the proposal, although there were suggestions on improvements.

J.B. Todd attended the noon session and said he remembers when Lake Atalanta built in the 1930s. He was 5 when his family moved from western Oklahoma to Rogers to get away from the Dust Bowl.

“I think it was 1937 or 1938 when the WPA built Lake Atalanta. There were no houses on the east or the west side of the lake at that time, nobody lived in the area when the lake was built,” Todd said.

The Works Project Administration was one of the job-creation plans President Franklin Roosevelt set up during the Depression.

The lake, fed by Diamond and Frisco springs, was built as a water source for Rogers, according to historians.

“I think what the city is planning for the lake is just great,” Todd said. “My concern is I want the lake to be a place for children to play in the outdoors — a place where kids can fish, swim and hike in the woods. When I was kid we played in the woods around the lake and had a great time.”

Kim Brown, who has managed the Restore Lake Atalanta site on Facebook, said she wants to make sure the lake remains a natural place.

“I like what I have seen so far,” Brown said as she snapped photos of each of the six graphics on display with her smartphone.

She said she would like to see a lighted trail from the lake to downtown, as did several others attending the meeting.

“I would also like to see a shallow area for kids to swim in the lake, but, overall, I think what the city is proposing is great and is preserving the natural beauty of the lake,” Brown said.

Several people expressed concerned about a proposed trout pond on the south side of Walnut Street where the two springs come together.

“I talked to some of the city staff about the trout pond and I have a better understanding, but I’m still concerned about the pond. We already have the lake, I’m not sure we need a pond as well,” said Carol Graham.

She also expressed concern about some of the proposed bike trails.

“There may be too many bike trails around the lake. I’m afraid some of the trails could cause erosion on the hillsides,” she said.

“I’m glad the city is doing something to improve the lake and the park. Something needed to be done,” Graham said.

David Hook, city facilities development manger who helped develop the renovation plan, said the biggest concern he heard involved the trout pond.

“I expect there will be some discussions among the staff about whether to build the pond,” Hook said.

Staff members recorded concerns and suggestions which will be reviewed, said Steve Glass, planning and transportation director.

Glass said he was pleased with attendance at the noon meeting.

“I thought we had a good turn out, and so many people showed an interest in the city’s plan for the lake and the bike park on the Philpot property south of lake park. We heard some good suggestions from people and we heard some concerns as well,” Glass said.

There are no plans to extend the comment period, he said. However, those who could not make one of Tuesday’s sessions can go to City Hall, where Glass said they can see the graphics and a staff member will explain the plan and record their concerns or suggestions.

Two meetings were scheduled Tuesday, one at noon and one at 5 p.m. prior to the City Council meeting. Attendance was estimated at 75 at each meeting by Derrel Smith, senior planner.