Recent enhancements bring new life to Fair Park’s nature
spot.
Ever since it was built at the site of the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936, the Leonhardt Lagoon has been a postcard-perfect oasis in the heart of Fair Park. Visitors of all ages enjoy riding in the Swan Boats, climbing on the prehistoric-looking plant sculptures and viewing the lagoon’s array of wildlife, which includes 70 species of birds.
In recent years, Leonhardt Lagoon has been put in a more precarious position as far as sustaining its aquatic, plant and insect life. But thanks to some innovative thinking by concerned organizations over the past few months, the lagoon is once again in excellent shape.
Donny Shubert, Operations Manager for Fair Park, saw the lagoon situation as a nail-biter. “In the 1990s, well water stopped being released into the lagoon from the aquarium, and no fresh water was added. This depleted the oxygen in the water, fueled the growth of algae and turned the water murky. Last year’s drought also lowered the water level significantly and some plants such as cattails were trying to take over the lagoon. Even Carrollton/Farmers Branch teachers and students on a field trip pointed out how cloudy and dirty the water looked.”
Then David Jones, a water quality expert with the Koi and Water Garden Club of North Texas, had what seemed a viable solution. By adding both oxygen and enzymes to the lagoon, it would not only eliminate algae growth potential but eat up sludge, silt and existing algae.
“We also wanted to get the lagoon back to its original depth of 12-15 feet of clear water instead of 2 feet of visibility,” says Mr. Shubert. “Mr. Jones’ solution was much cheaper than dredging.”
Cleaning up, greening up for a healthier environment.
The improvement process began in early spring, 2007. Over 12 weekends, the Koi and Water Garden Club of North Texas, other volunteers, and Fair Park crews removed algae, debris and general trash. Oxygen and enzymes were added, and old plant material was exchanged for new plants. Even some of the Carrollton/Farmers Branch teachers, students and parents helped out. Soon another idea was hatched: why not put the plants in pots in the water instead of merely placing plants below the surface. Plant growth could be better controlled and invasive plants could be easily removed.
Another major challenge was stopping plants from being eaten by the turtles in the lagoon. The Army Corps of Engineers donated wire material to build cages around the plants so it could be determined which were turtle food. “Now we will know what plants not to plant,” says Mr. Shubert. “There are still plenty of other food sources for the turtles.”
So far the results of the Lagoon cleanup project are clearly evident, believes Mr. Shubert, with underwater visibility to
5 feet now. “Kids are now pointing out to us that they can actually see the fish.” Future plans call for the addition of two airlifts—at both ends of the lagoon—that will prevent algae growth, clarify water and minimize silt accumulation in isolated locations.
Leonhardt Lagoon has always been a favorite part of Fair Park. By finding smart solutions that let nature take its course, plant and aquatic life enjoy a better living environment and visitors enjoy a deeper window to the world below the surface.
