The Meadowbrook Pond is a wonderful little sanctuary which features diverse wildlife (ducks, beavers, cranes, frogs, bats and much more), interesting foliage, sculptures and trails all integrated so that human and wildlife alike can enjoy the surroundings. It also plays a very practical role, capturing sediment from Thorton Creek and reducing downstream impact.
In July 2012 the Meadowbrook Pond began an extensive dredging project. A chain link fence went up and heavy equipment was brought in. According to the Seattle Public Utilities (http://bit.ly/WwjirC), dredging to remove sediment is necessary about every three to four years with a major pond cleaning occurring every ten. Based upon the work I saw, the project that was begun last summer must fall under the latter category.
Additionally, according to the website run by Families For Lake City, the project had three primary objectives (http://bit.ly/WwiSBF):
1. Reduce the impacts of flooding on roads and streamside properties
2. Increase worker safety
3. Improve stream and riparian habitat
It was great to see that the work also included some badly needed updates, returning the park to its original pristine setting. The past few years, prior to the renovation, had seen what I consider to be a significant deterioration of the pond ecology with noxious plants overgrowing the area, an occasional stench and even unwelcome graffiti. Also, the Public Utilities reported on their website that non-native bullfrogs, which are classified as prohibited aquatic animal species by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife were identified in the pond.
The Meadowbrook Pond reopened to the public In October 2012, but work will continue in the summer of 2013. It's unclear (at least to me) how that work will affect the public's access.
If you've never been to the Meadowbrook Pond, I highly encourage you to visit. It is simply a stunning place to go for a family walk. Bring your binoculars, bring a camera and embrace this magical part of Seattle.
Tip: The Friends of Meadowbrook Pond provide all sorts of activities available to the public, including updates, tours, and annual luminaria walk and more. Find them on Facebook (http://on.fb.me/11fOp3o). read more