This is not a lake or river or even a stream. This is a storm water retention pond. In a natural environment rain or melt water from snow is absorbed into the ground. In an urban setting water runs off the roadways, driveways and buildings. This means a large amount of water travels through the sewer system and enters the local waterways in a much greater volume.
In addition in an urban setting pesticides, fertilizers, various household chemicals plus debris such as grass clippings are all channeled into the run off water. Storm water management ponds like this one are built to temporarily hold the water where it is treated to remove pollutants and then allowed to slowly flow into a natural water course.
Yet, such an area does not have to be an eyesore. Native plants are planted and the area is maintained and kept free of trash. There is a lovely pathway all around the pond. This one is about a quarter mile around. Plenty of birds have made their home here. Redwing blackbirds love the bullrushes planted at the edge of the water. In spring and fall flocks of Canada geese make the pond a resting point on their journey. It is not uncommon for ducks to raise their young here.
There is something mesmerizing about watching water ripple in the breeze. Very calming to the psyche. For this reason the path around the pond is a popular area to stroll and stop at one of the lookouts and ponder life. My dog and I take this path quite often and while I enjoy the tranquility he is hoping to meet up with one of the many chipmunks and squirrels.
Live long and prosper
