By David Markham

The Johnson County Park and Recreation District began drawing down water levels in Heritage Park Lake in early June in preparation for much-needed water quality and habitat improvements.

The project involves dredging sediments and native earthen materials from the lake, as well as from about 1,500 feet of stream at the lake’s north end. The improvements also include removal of Black Bob Island, addition of deep-water fish refuge areas, and construction of a 10-acre sediment forebay and wetland area in the upper third of the lake.

These improvements are expected to increase the storage volume of the 41-acre lake, which has seen sedimentation reduce its capacity by 50% since its original construction in 1980. The lake is also the largest body of water in the Blue River Watershed, and the principal source of irrigation for Heritage Park Golf Course, Heritage Football Complex, Heritage Soccer and Heritage Softball.

The project began June 5 with the lake drawdown. Earthwork and dredging will commence and operate through summer and fall and will shut down in late 2023. The same process will occur in 2024, with project completion anticipated late next year.

“The lower part of the lake will be dredged an average of 4 feet with 12 feet of material removed in the area of the island,” said JCPRD Project Manager Jim Wilson. “Black Bob Island is being removed to increase the overall storage capacity of the lake. The upper part of the lake will have an average of 10 feet of material dredged and dredged materials will be shaped back into the natural landscape.”

Because low water levels will expose mud and other conditions not suitable for public access, trails around the lake will be closed to public access for the duration of the project. The Heritage Trail entrance at the northeast corner of the park has been re-opened and a mowed detour provides a connection to the marina parking lot. The sidewalk across the dam has also re-opened to provide a connection to the Coffee Creek and other trails in the southern portion of the park but will reclose when work commences near the dam in 2024 or if safety issues arise.

Water quality improvements are being funded in part by the JoCo Stormwater Management Program through the Johnson County Board of Commissioners.

David Markham is communications specialist at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.