What’s happening at Central Park

     Have you heard? Work on the lake at Central Park has finally begun. Exciting changes have been a daily occurrence the past three weeks. Traffic through the park has increased as the word spreads and onlookers make daily pilgrimages to see what’s new.

     At the end of October, PCI (Peterson Contractors Inc.) removed a portion of the Central Park Lake Dam to further drain the lake in preparation for dredging and lake work this fall and winter. Currently, all roads through the park are open for vehicle traffic but roads may be closed as work necessitates.

     During the month of November, the Central Park Lake bed is busily being prepared for dredge work. Top layers including weeds and small trees and shrubs that grew this summer are being pulled back and piled for removal. Shoreline sloping within the lakebed is also occurring with the removal and stock piling of old rock riprap armoring.

     The bulk of dredging and removal of sediment will begin and be completed once the ground freezes adequately for heavy truck transportation within the lakebed and across park property. Sediment will be moved to several locations on the western side of Central Park.

     Triple B Construction is planning to drive pier pilings for the new handicap accessible fishing pier sometime Thanksgiving week.

     In addition to the flurry of dirt work occurring, several fish habitat components have been constructed by county conservation staff and the help of many volunteers. Over 200 artificial waterline shrubs and several stake bed habitats are awaiting placement in the lake when dredging is completed. Anyone interested can still volunteer to help with stake bed construction by calling the Jones County Conservation Board Administrative Office at 563-487-3541.

     To keep up to date on the Central Park Lake Restoration Project visit the JCCB website at www.jonescountyiowa.org/conservation or follow the Jones County Conservation Facebook page.