Center Springs Park Pond Remains Empty As Repairs Continue

Many visitors to lately have noticed an alarming sight - the pond in the middle of the park is largely dry and barren. 

That's because, according to General Manager Scott Shanley, the pond was drained in April to repair the fishing weir located at the west end of the pond as it abuts Edgerton Street. But Shanley said that when the town tried to reopen the gate that controls the stem of the water that fills the pond it found that debris was lodged in it, preventing the gate from opening. 

The town sought a bid waiver in late June to repair the gate, as it only has a limited time during summer and early fall months to make the necessary repairs, and contracted with the Meriden-based firm of D & M Morin Construction Co., Inc. The repairs will cost the town an estimated $26,800, and Shanley said "time is of the essence" to complete the work before the weather starts to change. 

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Residents near the pond have also begun to complain about the sight and smell. 

According to the bid waiver request, which was dated June 25, 2012, the repair work should take an estimated five weeks. 

Shanley said Wednesday that the repair work was occurring at the pond but that he did not have an estimated completion date. He said "soon," when asked when he thought the work would be completed and the pond restored.