What is the importance of Clinton Lake in the novel, The Topeka School?

Clinton Lake is a reservoir located between the cities of Topeka and Lawrence. One of the opening scenes of the novel’s takes place on Clinton Lake, as Adam and his girlfriend Amber ride on a boat across the lake. Later, in a pivotal moment for Darren’s character, Darren is abandoned at the lake by his supposed friends, and he becomes lost for hours. This incident raises his awareness of the scorn and derision that his supposed friends actually have towards him.