COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — The City of Colorado Springs is weighing two different plans to improve water quality and reduce algae growth in Prospect Lake.
In 2019 and 2020 the lake, located in the southeast corner of Memorial Park, was closed to the public following toxic blue-green algae blooms and significant fish die-off events.
At a community event on Monday, the city's Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services department presented two different plans for adding aerators to push oxygen into the standing water of the lake. The first design includes eight aerators and would continue to allow for the use of motors, like boats and jet skis, because of the depth of the system. The equipment for the plan would cost $23,000 and circulate the entire lake in just over two days.
The second plan includes 15 aerators that could circulate the lake in just over a day, costing $153,500 for its equipment. The aerators would be at a shallow depth prohibiting motorized use on the lake.
Many boaters and lake goers came to the event to hear about the two plans. Larry Lamz volunteers for the Therapeutic Recreation Program that takes adults with disabilities on Prospect Lake for modified water sports. Lamz said if the second plan is approved, the program would have to end.
"I grew up on that lake. I started skiing on the lake when I was eight," he said. "We have various lakes closer by but they're not wake lakes. No motorized vessels allowed."
Funding for this project comes from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
The community can still provide feedback on the plans until March 30 through the department's online survey. City leaders will make a final decision on the plan in April.
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