2. Woodland Park Well and PondREPORT TO: Mayor Pam Kennedy and Kalispell City Council
FROM: Michael Baker, Director, Parks & Recreation
SUBJECT: Woodland Park Well and Water Quality
MEETING DATE: May 11, 2009
BACK GROUND: The past few years, a number of complaints have been received in
regards to the water quality at Woodland Park lagoon. There are a number of factors
which have been identified to contribute to the current conditions of the lagoon.
During storm events, runoff is collected in the Woodland Park Pond. This runoff is
collected and transported in a series of pipes and ditches. The amount of storm water
runoff volume that collects in the pond varies based upon the number and volume of
storm events.
Well water is supplied to the pond by an on -site well completed in 1974 and currently
capable of producing approximately 300-350 gpm with the current installed pump. There
are some artesian flows associated with the well. The well is currently located in a well
house and is plumbed to serve both the ponds and the irrigation in the park. The flows
into the pond depend upon the operation of the water distribution system. When the
irrigation system is activated, the unused portion of the water flows into the ponds
through the piping in the waterfall. Additionally, the pump can be turned on and all of
the flow can be directed to a fountain located in the pond and the waterfall.
In July 2008, the well head at Woodland Park collapsed, resulting in breakage to some of
the piping in the distribution system. Since that occurrence the fountain has seen limited
operation, as temporary piping is not recommended for high flow rates or high pressures.
Woodland Park Pond has a supplemental aeration system, which consists of an aerator
located in the southern pond. Currently this aerator is broken and inoperable.
Supplemental aeration is required to maintain dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations at
saturation.
The pond was constructed in the early 1900's and should have a diverse ecosystem. Plant
and animal life are substantial contributors to water quality in the Woodland Park Pond
system; it instrumental and detrimental to the pond environment. However large
congregations of waterfowl can also significantly increase nutrient loads to ponds. An
excessive build-up of nutrients in the pond can lead to weed and algae problems, poor
water quality and accumulation of organic sediments.
Upon reporting the well head cave in, Council determined that Parks and Recreation
should move forward with hiring of consultant to conduct an assessment of the well, the
distribution system serving Woodland Park, and the water quality of the ponds located in
the park. PBSU consultant were hired and completed a Woodland Park Well and Water
ality Assessment, a Well and Water Distribution Assessment and a Pond Management
R Ian for the City of Kalispell Woodland Park.
RECOMMENDATION: Review presentation by PBS&J consultant and consider options and
alternatives presented.
FISCAL EFFECTS:
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