Lagoon Pumping and Dredging Uncover Hidden Treasures in Lafayette's Central Park

The Columbian Park lagoon, a beloved centerpiece of Lafayette's central park since its construction in 1876, has been partially drained as part of the third stage of the park's $9.1 million transformation. The ambitious project aims to revitalize the four-acre body of water and uncover hidden treasures beneath its surface.

Crews from Kokomo-based Merrell Brothers began draining the lagoon last week after constructing a temporary dam that split the water in two. Once the bottom section was drained, debris was uncovered from years gone by. Among the unexpected finds were 23 oil drums, six bikes, a skateboard, a Bird scooter, and even a plaque stolen from the Memorial Island cannon.

The dredging project is a crucial step in the park's transformation, which aims to improve the overall aesthetic and functional appeal of the area. 'It's such an amazing project that's going to have such huge impact on this overall park,' said Claudine Laufman, Lafayette parks superintendent. Visitors are already stopping by daily to ask questions about the project, demonstrating its potential to become a major attraction in the city.

The lagoon was created in 1876 using leftover dirt from the city's first pressurized waterworks system, when a reservoir and pumping station were constructed on the footprint now known as Columbian Park. The 'G'-shaped body of water was built in honor of Dr. Glick, a Republican mayor who served from 1875 to 1877.

As part of the dredging process, workers are using an auger to break up larger chunks before pumping the mixture into awaiting tanks for processing off-site. This week, crews used water from the northern lagoon to loosen up remaining silt and sediment into a 'protein shake' consistency, making it easier to extract hidden treasures.

The project has also resulted in the recovery of approximately 2,700 fish, which were relocated off site. The success of this stage will pave the way for future improvements to the park, including new walking trails, seating areas, and landscaping.

As the dredging process continues, visitors can expect to see more exciting discoveries emerge from the depths of the lagoon. Whether you're a local resident or just visiting Lafayette, be sure to stop by and take a peek at this incredible project in progress.

Lagoon pumping and dredging