The Secret Is Out
If you are not familiar with Lake Kiowa and the community surrounding the lake, let us tell you about one of the best kept secrets in North Texas. Lake Kiowa, Texas on Farm Road 902 is seven miles southeast of Gainesville in east central Cooke County, and was established in 1967. Within an hour's drive of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolis, Lake Kiowa has quickly became a popular resort development for North Texas families. In the 1980s its 1,800 acres included the lake for which it was named (a private, 600-acre lake on Indian Creek), two sandy beaches, and has a now PGA rated eighteen-hole golf course with a full time golf pro on staff.
At that time no businesses were allowed within the enclosed development, which was managed by a board of directors elected by the members of the property owners' association. In 1988 the community had 712 homes, about half of which were occupied year-round; the others were used primarily on weekends, holidays, and during the summer. The community is in the Callisburg school district. Its estimated population in 1989 was 1,500, and in 1990, some 1,200. By 2000 the population grew to 1,883. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.8 square miles (9.8 km2), of which 3.0 square miles is land and 0.81 square miles , or 21.07%, is water.
Lake Kiowa is a gated, restricted entry community. The property includes a private 563-acre (2.28 km2) lake, large enough for skiing and boating activities. Abundant fish reside in the lake, and the Lake Kiowa Anglers and Conservation Club maintains small and large fishing areas. There is also a private 18-hole golf course. Two different beach areas offer swimming, volleyball, tennis, and other opportunities. Each beach has picnic areas and a large pavilion is located at the West beach. A 9-hole disc golf course was recently built. The property is policed by a mix of private security, Cooke County Sheriff's Department, and Gainesville Police Department. As of the census of 2000, there were 1,883 people, 861 households, and 661 families residing in the CDP. As Lake Kowa continues to grow we look forward to providing a home to families, retirees, and avid golfers who have enjoyed the PGA golf course located all around the lake. With a golf pro on staff, parking for golf carts, and monthly events for all residents, Lake Kiowa is a wonderful place to make your home.
Lake Kiowa is governed by an elected board of people, with a Community Manager system, which is overseen by various board members. Since there is no longer a developer, the property owners run the community. Security can issue tickets, handle parking disputes, and enforce community rules. Roads, bridges and infrastructure are maintained by the community. This has been effective for many years and is financially stable. Lake Kiowa is run for, and by, the residents. Kiowa Homeowners Water Supply maintains the water supply.
