Renovation of the Azalea Garden Pond

The Azalea Garden Pond renovation is complete.

The Friends of Bryan Park and the Department of Parks and Recreation are joining forces to address the problems with the Azalea Garden pond, including algae blooms, duckweed infestations,a lack of water quality, and general unsightliness.

For some time the pond’s water level has been maintained by water run off from the road that runs beside it, causing the pond to fill with sediment from the road, leaves, limbs, and other debris. There are several large cracks in one wall and smaller cracks in other walls. Very little water circulates throughout the pond.

The first steps in the renovation have been completed. A leak in the watering system for the SoccerFields has been repaired. The pond has been analyzed for the depth of the sediment,and sediment samples have been tested and found to be free of any major contaminants. The pathof the electric service has been determined, and the electric lines should be installed soon.

Once the electric service is installed, the pond will be drained and the sediment removed. The pond walls will be inspected and assessed; any damage to them will be repaired. Any tree roots that have impacted these pond walls will be assessed and properly mitigated. An aeration system, and a new fountain will be installed, and the pond will be refilled.

As you can imagine, this project will be expensive. We estimate costs to be $150,000. While we are working with the Richmond Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities, we still will need to raise money to complete the project. Accordingly, the Friends of Bryan Park are now beginning a fundraising campaign to complete the Pond Rehabilitation Project.

There will be fundraising events of different types, but we believe that the generosity of park users, friends and neighbors will contribute to this badly needed project.

To contribute, please click “Donate to the Azalea Garden Pond Project”or contribute to the Friends of Bryan Park RAP Fund through Give Lively! Text BRYANPARK to 44-321