Frequently Asked Questions

We invite you to continue to share memories of visits to the lakes online using the storyboard where you can post photos and memories of your visits. Project designs are in finalization mode as of Spring 2022 as Phase 1 moves to construction. Follow our progress on social media at @LakesProject on Twitter and at #UniversityLakesProject on Facebook and Instagram. On LinkedIn we're at University-Lakes-Project. Join us in sharing Lakes Project news using the hashtag #LakesProject.

Phase 1, including dredging of City Park, Erie, Campus and College Lakes, is anticipated to begin during the summer of 2022, following completion of the design process. We are optimistic that additional funding will be secured to allow work to immediately shift to University Lake upon completion of Phase 1.

Once Phase 1 construction begins (anticipated summer 2022) the dredging and reshaping of City Park, Erie, College, and Campus Lakes, as well as a portion of University Lake is expected to take 18 months. Phase 2 will include University Lake and Lake Crest. If funding for Phase 2 is secured prior to the completion of Phase 1, dredging University Lake and Lake Crest would take an additional 18 months.

Dredging and construction of lakeshore improvements will be phased in sections around the lakes to minimize inconveniences to recreational users and residents. The implementation plan will be developed after the completion of the final design and will take into consideration public input received.

Freshly turned earth at construction sites always has a unique odor, and sediments dredged from the lakes and deposited along the shores will likely have an odor for periods of time throughout the project. Efforts will be made in the design and construction process to work quickly in phases and to speed the covering of exposed soil with vegetation, which will control erosion and help to encapsulate the soil, thus containing odors. Environmental factors such as heat and rainfall will affect the oxidation of organics contained in the sediments, which are typically responsible for most soil odors. This topic will be discussed in greater detail as more detailed plans are developed.

Yes. Although temporary closures of traffic lanes in certain areas may be necessary, every effort will be made to mitigate these inconveniences, to provide alternative safe routes, and to limit the extent and duration of closures.

Yes. Dredging of the lakes will occur in phases, and if one area is closed to water-based activities, another lake will be open for such recreational uses. When construction activity occurs in the vicinity of BREC’s Milford Wampold Memorial Park on Stanford Drive, this will present an inconvenience to recreational users. Efforts will be made to expedite the speed of work in this area and to compress the duration. A healthier lake system and natural environment will be our reward for these short-term inconveniences.

In the short term, construction activity will temporarily displace wildlife. Yet if we do not restore the lakes, they will silt up, eliminating availability of fish and other food sources for our beloved American White Pelicans and other wildlife to eat. The long-term reward for temporary displacement will be ensured viability and health of the aquatic and shoreline environment, and improved areas from which to observe wildlife.