A view of the control structure, 1950’s and today, from Overlook Park at Lake O’ the Pines. The outlet works has two gates that control the amount of water that is discharged from the lake. The discharge controls the level of the lake while providing proper flow to the river below the dam. The lake’s mission is to provide water to the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District and flood risk mitigation to communities along the Red River. (Illustration by Pat Adelmann)