Fargo, N.D. – The Fargo Park District is moving ahead with further construction of manmade ponds that will serve as a solution for storm water runoff, while providing a new nature recreation space for residents.
The Southwest Pond Regional Recreational Area project is being carried out in partnership between the city and the District.
Once completed, the area will stretch from 52nd Avenue to 64th Avenue South near Veterans Boulevard.
Work was just completed on the first pond which sites a little further north of the location.
While the main goal of the overall project is storm water retention, developers also have the public in mind.
“We’re trying to bring a natural setting to an urban park,” Tony Schmitt, park director with the Fargo Park District told The Flag on Thursday.
Listen: Tony Schmitt On The Flag
“The water itself will be about 240 acres of ponds, and the Fargo Park District has the potential to create a 160-acre park area that goes around the north and south portions of the pond.”
Schmitt says the plan will include creating natural surface trails to get people to the pond area, along with signage, benches and native grass and flowers.
Schmitt says the project might also include developing an urban fishing area with piers, by stocking the ponds at their deepest levels.
“It’s going to be a big project,” said Schmitt. “Fargo is growing and not everyone grew up on a farm that lives here anymore and they don’t get to experience nature, so we want to bring nature to them.”
Other ideas include bridge crossings, natural playgrounds and a natural parking lot.
