HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 106 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 22-106
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council August 2, 2022
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SUBJECT: Dredging of Ponds and Lakes in Parks
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The purpose of this Informal Report is to provide an update on Park & Recreation Department
dredging of ponds and lakes within City of Fort Worth parks.
Dredging, Erosion and Drainage Studies
Park's is actively preparing for a study on the drainage/erosion/dredging of waterways, ponds and
lakes throughout park system. A consultant selection will be initiated in August 2022, with the
award of a consultant contract in November 2022. The study will include the following:
• An inventory and GIS mapping of all ponds, lakes and other water bodies on park land.
• Drainage and erosion assessment of all waterways in the park system with focus on
Arcadia and Candleridge linear parkways.
• Development of prioritization criteria for the dredging of ponds and lakes.
• Research on potential grant opportunities and other partnerships for the purpose of
dredging and improving water quality and aquatic habitat.
• Research on permitting and other Federal, State and Local requirements.
• Preparation of engineering plans and construction documents for the 2022 Bond and
FY2023 General Fund PAYG funded dredging, erosion control and drainage projects.
Funding for the Studies — Total Project Funds - $794,000
• FY2022 Parks & Recreation General Fund, PayGo budget included $294K.
• FY2023 Parks & Recreation General Operating fund budget request includes $250K along
with a match of$250k from TPW Storm Water funds.
Currently Funded Capital Projects
Proposition B of the 2022 Bond Program included $7.15M for Drainage, Erosion Repair and
Control, Dam Restoration and dredging at 13 sites. The dredging projects include Oakland Lake
Park, Pecan Valley Golf Course, Foster Park and Candleridge Park /French Lake. Additionally,
FY2023 General Fund PAYG includes funding for dredging at Greenbriar Park ($500K) and
Marine Creek Linear Park ($300K). The aforementioned dredging projects were identified based
on input from citizens, Park & Recreation Department staff and in-place fish stocking programs
through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Dredging of ponds and lakes will allow for increased volume of storm water retention/detention,
improved erosion control, and improved water quality. The improvement of overall erodibility and
water quality will allow for more diverse and plentiful flora and fauna throughout the park system,
as well as create more aesthetic water amenities for park patrons.
Management of Creeks and Riparian Buffers
The Park & Recreation Department began a pilot program during spring of 2022 to increase no
mow riparian buffer areas in select parks adjacent to creeks. This program is included in the
"Naturally Fort Worth!" areas and is being monitored to determine visible effects on streambank
erosion and water quality. The presence of increased riparian buffers have been shown in other
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 22-106
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council August 2, 2022
Page 2 of 2
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SUBJECT: Dredging of Ponds and Lakes in Parks
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areas to help reduce stream bank erosion. Less erosion results in less sedimentation and
increases the time needed between dredging water bodies.
For more information on no mow riparian buffer areas: "Naturally Fort Worth!"
(www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/parks/services/natural-areas)
Should you have any questions regarding this Informal Report please contact Park & Recreation
Acting Department Director Dave Lewis or Assistant City Manager Valerie Washington.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS