An effort is underway to help improve the water quality at a Lima park.
If you have driven by Skate Pond in Faurot Park you may have noticed fencing around a portion of it. That fencing is protecting what officials hope is the answer to reducing the amount of algae found in the pond. The City of Lima's Stormwater Division of Public Works is spearheading the project. Planting of wetland species like sedges, rushes, and some flowering plants will act as filters and help improve the oxygen level in the water. Several aerators have been placed in the bottom of the pond to help circulate the water. These along with the plants will create a better habitat for fish and wildlife.
"We ask for residents to be patient with the fencing. Fencing is going to be up until July of 2018 to allow the roots to establish in the plants and the geese don't walk off with them. Fishing can still go on but we ask that you kinda steer clear of those fence areas," said Lima Stormwater Manager, Joe Gearing.
Two other ponds in the park, Fingerlady and Cemetery, will also see the improvements. The Allen Soil and Water Conservation District is working with the city and planting approximately 5,500 plants.
