JACKSON ROTARY LAKE RENOVATION COMPLETE, REFILLING, STOCKING NEXT

JACKSON -- Renovation of Rotary Lake in Jackson City Park, which began in July, is complete and the lake is refilling.

Over 16,000 cubic yards of silt and sediment were removed from the 3.2-acre lake to deepen it and improve fish habitat. A buildup of nutrient-rich silt and sediment since the lake was built in the mid-1970s accelerated the growth of unsightly algae during warm weather. The buildup of sediment made it difficult for fish to survive and grow.

While the lake was drained, rock rip-rap was laid along the bank to stop erosion into the lake. Members of Boy Scout Troop 311 of Jackson built fish habitat structures that were placed on the lake bed along with other structures that will help increase the fish population.

Total cost of the renovation was more than $82,000. The engineer's estimate was around $75,000.

Ward 2 Alderman David Hitt explained that the contractor, Danny Gilder Excavating Co., was paid by the actual number of cubic yards of sediment removed. "The engineer had estimated around 15,000 cubic yards, but 16,000 was actually taken out," said Hitt. "We also had to put in more rip-rap than planned," said Hitt.

Partial funding for the renovation was provided by a Missouri Department of Conservation community assistance grant of $36,000. The rest is city money.

"It looks like it's going to really work out real nice, " said Jackson Mayor Paul Sander after looking over the renovated lake bed. "The representative from the Conservation Department who's been working with us on the project said the department is considering using our lake project as a model for other lakes that have had sediment and algae problems."

As soon as the lake is refilled, the Conservation Department will restock it with fingerling fish. That could take place this fall or early next spring.

After the lake is stocked, it will be closed to fishing for at least three and one-half to four years to allow young fish to grow and mature. Hitt said during that time it is important that no larger fish be placed in the lake because it will upset the balance.

Meanwhile, construction will begin in about two weeks on a 20-by-8-foot T-shaped handicap-accessible fishing pier that will extend into the lake along with a wheel chair ramp and walkway from the parking lot to the fishing pier. The Jackson Board of Aldermen awarded a $16,000 contract this week to Lyerla's General Construction of Jackson. The pier should be completed in about two to three weeks.

A separate project to repave the half-mile walking and exercise track around the lake is on hold until additional cost data is obtained, Sander said.

Plans are to construct handicap-accessible restrooms near the lake next year.