No More Ducks At Village Pond Park Redux

LAKE FOREST, CA — Just what has been going on at Village Pond Park? It was the first big improvement in Lake Forest, in over 40 years, according to the city. The grand opening, re-naming and re-dedication of the 4.7 acre park is coming this fall, but the ducks and other water fowl are not being encouraged to roost here.

As with many duck ponds in southern California, overfeeding of water fowl fouled the water to a point of a necessary redesign, according to the city. But the work has been long, according to residents, and all are anxious for the grand-re-opening.

The "new and improved park" will still feature the 1-acre pond, but it also will honor the military veterans, all five branches of service.

"The monument will live up to the park's new name," city officials said. Though an exact open date is not yet known, Scott Wasserman of the City of Lake Forest expects to announce that grand opening by the end of August.

Here's what you can expect when the park reopens this fall:

• Entry plazas
• Low fences to control waterfowl access
• Additional trees
• Reduced amount of turf
• Use plants not favored by waterfowl
• Creation of a floating island and addition of fountains to disrupt flight patterns.
• Boulders and large shrubs around the pond to discourage nesting
• Construct an irrigation system to improve water circulation and quality.

What are you most looking forward to with the redesign? Let us know on Facebook or in comments.

Shutterstock, City of Lake Forest Photo