COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Coldwater City Manager Keith Baker gave the City Council an update on the ongoing work at Waterworks Park Monday night, which includes a number of enviromental improvements. He wanted to emphasize the park is still open.
A project which started last year is intended to reduce the damage being caused by humans and water fowl to the park and improve the overall water quality of the river and nearby vegetation.
The work was needed since there was significant erosion along the skating pond that was compromising the structural integrity of the berm between the pond and the river.
The city got a $60,000 grant from the Great Lakes Commission to repair the berm and plant native seed along the Sauk River bank. The City’s match for the project was $12,000.
Bakers says a new berm survived the high water levels and is stable. The native plantings have been fenced to keep out ducks and foot traffic.
The fence will stay in place until the plants are mature and are no longer at risk of being pulled out by the water fowl. Baker says they anticipate the park will fully reopen again next spring. The City is still discouraging the feeding the ducks and geese in order to keep the droppings at a minimum and for the duck’s own health.
The access road will remain closed to keep visitors from driving down to the river and destroying the vegetation and river bank.
