It's a wrap for the ducks and the folks at Foster Park. The Park & Recreation Department has just completed a dredging project designed to breathe new life into its aged ponds, with a nice bonus: finishing ahead of schedule. In a move to restore water quality and ecological balance, the slimy depths of the ponds have been excavated, creating a cleaner, more wildlife-friendly environment.
Now, if you've been following the flock – by which I mean keeping an eye out on local park upgrades, not actual ducks – this one tidied up quicker than expected, according to the City of Fort Worth. And it wasn't just about hauling away muck. We're talking about more than 7,260 cubic yards of sediment removed, and an increase in pond depth to over 3 feet. Turtles, fish, and our web-footed friends are already taking advantage of the spruced-up habitats.
The city's Stormwater Operations Division, led by Roy Fickle, has received a tip of the hat for wrapping up this environmental glow-up earlier than anyone hoped for. The team's synergy in coordinating efforts was pivotal, as they worked through phases to disturb as little wildlife as possible. As per the City of Fort Worth, Park & Recreation Director Dave Lewis expressed pride in the collaboration between departments, saying, “This project demonstrates our commitment to balancing infrastructure improvements with environmental stewardship.”
Environmental guidance for the project was under the direction of Jeremy Jordan, a Professional Wetland Scientist, who made sure the dredging followed best practices. Jordan, with a permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, prioritized the relocation of aquatic life and the safety of local fauna throughout the project. All this is to ensure that Foster Park's ponds remain a natural hideaway for various species.
