Photo Credit: © Can Stock Photo / denisfilm
Whether you’ve recently stepped into a new role as parks manager or simply decided to give more attention to the aesthetic needs of the facilities, there’s a good chance your responsibilities include overseeing a lake or stormwater pond. Maintaining a fully interactive aquatic ecosystem that will be aesthetically pleasing, functional, and safe for the community can be daunting! While some people choose to take this on “in-house,” either to cut costs or because they enjoy the challenge, it’s important to recognize possible complications that make professional intervention necessary.
There’s no true “how-to” guide for the management of freshwater resources; each waterbody and the challenges that come with it are completely unique. However, all lakes and ponds can benefit from proactive, sustainable management efforts. Here are some rules of thumb that can benefit every parks manager:
1. Identify and maintain lake and pond structures. Lakes and stormwater ponds are valued focal points in parks, but improperly working structures can pose incredible dangers for children and adults. This is why most stormwater-management facilities are required to comply with legislation set forth through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. Get to know the waterbodies under your care by regularly walking the perimeter and taking note of the dimensions, surface acreage, existing features, and current conditions.