Moss covered cypress trees line the banks of this open lake popular for fishing and recreational boating.

The Cross Lake land was acquired by the City of Shreveport during the administration of Mayor John H. Eastman, 1910-1914.

The reservoir was constructed thereafter under the administration of Mayor Lee Emmett Thomas, 1922-1930.

[2] Under Mayor Sam Caldwell, Cross Lake was stocked with fish.

[3] Ford Park, a recreational facility on the lake, is named for the former mayor and finance commissioner John McW.