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CITY PARK UPDATE - Ferril Lake
Thursday, June 05, 2008
By don :: 116 Views
Ferril Lake
Unfortunately Ferril Lake has been overcome with an extensive outbreak of algae growth. High nutrient levels in the lake water combined with warming temperatures probably caused the algal bloom. Park staff, in coordination with Denver Environmental Health Department, has developed a treatment plan to address the problem. Teri Henry, City Park Operations Supervisor, is certified to apply the recommended chemical treatments and started the treatments last week. The procedure has limitations since it takes several days to apply the solution over the 24 acre lake. Multiple applications may be necessary to control the extensive growth. The procedure also requires time between treatments to avoid adversely impacting wildlife and other desirable organisms. Park staff is looking into options to rake the algae off the lake surface and dispose it if the chemical treatments don’t prove effective. While we are hopeful there will be improvement by the weekend, there is not a predictable timeframe for when the algae can be significantly cleared from the lake.
The Ferril Lake construction area was seeded in February and March to establish grass coverage for this spring. Late winter seeding is a common practice for turf establishment. However, there has been delayed grass germination in the construction zones due to this spring’s cold nights. The lack of grass in the vicinity has prompted weed growth and resulted in unsightly bare spots. The contractors are working to remove the weeds and will also re-seed as needed to ensure healthy turf coverage by July.
Electric Fountain
Come on by to see the Electric Fountain on display beginning at Noon on Friday, May 30 to celebrate its 100th birthday. The fountain renovations are still underway, but we decided it would still be appropriate to turn it on for the weekend in commemoration of the auspicious date. May 30, 1908 was the date of the fountain’s first display. Since the fountain restoration is still in progress, only a few of its original water spray patterns will be running and white lights will feature the water sprays at night. Other fountains citywide will also be geared up for the summer displays this weekend.
The fountain restoration project received a generous infusion of funding from Public Works Department who “loaned” Denver Parks the $600,000 needed to completely restore the original fountain. With the additional funding, all the remaining fountain features and multi-hued lights are being installed this summer. The fountain originally displayed a rainbow effect of colored lights as part of its first year’s showing during the 1908 Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Denver . The tradition will be carried forth this year when the fully restored fountain with its colored lights and 11 different water spray patterns will be unveiled during the 2008 DNC week in August. Denver Parks will “repay” Public Works $200,000 each year for 3 years out of its annual appropriation of Capital Improvement Funds.
Boat Rentals
Wheel Fun Rentals was selected as the new boat concessionaire for City Park . Wheel Fun has been operating boat and bike rentals at Washington Park for several years and has a great track record for offering safe family fun. Several new options will be added to the traditional paddle boats including canoes, kayaks and sailboats. As soon as the algae situation is cleared up enough for the boats to operate safely, the rentals will be open for business 7 days a week, 10 am to 7 pm until September and limited hours the rest of the year weather permitting. For more information check out their website at: http://www.wheelfundenver.com/
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