Holmes Lake Restoration
After 40 years of agricultural use and urban development, Holmes Lake was seeing a buildup of sediment, pollutants, and organic deposits that reduced the lake's depth, deteriorated water quality and aesthetics, and impaired its recreational use. Olsson Associates designed the technical and biological components of the rehabilitation of Holmes Lake.
Olsson Associates led a community-based watershed planning process to create the overall vision for the rehabilitation and future of Holmes Lake. The entire project entailed two phases to properly deal with the issues.
Phase I of the project resulted in the development of a Watershed Management Plan that will guide the wise use and protection of the resources available through the watershed.
Phase II is the rehabilitation project, which involves physically restoring the lake basin and surrounding park amenities and intends to alleviate the physical problems with the lake, such as large amounts of sediment deposit and an eroded shoreline.
Considerable effort was given during the design process to resolve conflicts among the various competing lake users including anglers, sailing enthusiasts, pedestrians, home owners, and dog owners who all use the lake and surrounding facilities. Interactive public meetings were held during the design and early construction phases. These meetings, along with separate meetings with several clubs and neighborhood organizations, helped the team establish compromises and build consensus among the community.
Olsson's rehabilitation plan increased the depth of the lake and extended the life of the reservoir by approximately 87 years. In addition to clarity that far exceeds the goal of two feet and improved fishing and sailing areas, improvements to the park include a trail around the lake and two pedestrian bridges that will be utilized by residents throughout the community.
Olsson Associates led a community-based watershed planning process to create the overall vision for the rehabilitation and future of Holmes Lake. The entire project entailed two phases to properly deal with the issues.
Phase I of the project resulted in the development of a Watershed Management Plan that will guide the wise use and protection of the resources available through the watershed.
Phase II is the rehabilitation project, which involves physically restoring the lake basin and surrounding park amenities and intends to alleviate the physical problems with the lake, such as large amounts of sediment deposit and an eroded shoreline.
Considerable effort was given during the design process to resolve conflicts among the various competing lake users including anglers, sailing enthusiasts, pedestrians, home owners, and dog owners who all use the lake and surrounding facilities. Interactive public meetings were held during the design and early construction phases. These meetings, along with separate meetings with several clubs and neighborhood organizations, helped the team establish compromises and build consensus among the community.
Olsson's rehabilitation plan increased the depth of the lake and extended the life of the reservoir by approximately 87 years. In addition to clarity that far exceeds the goal of two feet and improved fishing and sailing areas, improvements to the park include a trail around the lake and two pedestrian bridges that will be utilized by residents throughout the community.