Waverly Lake on July 28, 2026..
In case you want to know more about Waverly Lake, and even if you don’t, here’s a follow-up to yesterday’s installment of the continuing story.
I asked Kim Lyddane, director of Albany Parks and Recreation, whether anyone was working on plans to find a lasting solution to the annual problems with either algae blooms or the spread of azolla, also called mosquito water fern.
Here is part of what I heard from her his morning:
“Yes. We are currently working to manage the aquatic growth. In 2023, after two bad summers, we started working with Aquatic Harvesting to manage the growth. Thanks to grant funds, we installed 12 aerators (as recommended) along with the fountain to help break up the stagnant layers. These have helped quite a bit but aren’t the magic bullet. Additionally, guidance included harvesting annually to remove the growth at the top of the lake. The growth is removed and used in the City’s compost program. The harvest has taken place in late August for the last three years. As you noted, they are on-site currently and expect to be in the water a full five days harvesting.
“Why late in the summer, you might ask. Two reasons: 1) that is when we are able to get on the schedule 2) the growth needs to be pretty established in order for them to get the most out of the lake as possible.
“In late 2024/early 2025 Public Works began water sampling so we can have a baseline for the environment. Public Works is also in conversation with Aquatic Insight LLC to continue the process of monitoring and come up with short-term and long-term action plans. The lake didn’t get into this condition overnight and it isn’t going to get out of it that quickly. It is an issue that is pretty nuanced and we are doing the best we can do be good stewards of all of our resources (both financial and natural). Â
“With this said, from sampling we know the water quality of the lake is actually really good. The fish love it and so do the plants, obviously. If the lake wasn’t on the entry to one of the entrances of town, I don’t know if people would bat an eye.”
I wondered whether the condition of the lake affected the city’s rental paddle boats.
“The new paddle boats are not harmed or encumbered by the growth,” Lyddane replied. “I have personally paddled through it. It is actually pretty cool to look down into it.”
Lyddane said the floating harvesters that were tied up in the lake Tuesday evening arrived that day and were expecting to work five days. The estimated cost is under $24,000, which is coming out out the parks department budget.
As for the spray foam duck that reappeared on the lake after needing repairs last year, the parks director said it was refurbished by Britton Boat Repair in Salem. The cost was $20,000, which was covered with community donations including more than $9,000 from a fundraiser put on by Sybaris Bistro.
“We think he looks pretty great and are thankful for the community support,” the parks director said. (hh)
I passed by Swan Lakes today. They both look like you could walk across them both, the growth is so heavy.
WAVERLY MEADOW, NOT WAVERLY LAKE
The city should consider rerouting the creek and allowing Waverly Lake to transition naturally into a meadow. Instead of continually fighting the lake’s decline, the area could become an attractive public green space requiring far less maintenance than dredging and aquatic vegetation control.
A “Waverly Meadow” could provide a beautiful place for families and visitors to enjoy picnics, walk their dogs, fly kites, toss a Frisbee or football, watch birds and other wildlife, take photographs, or simply relax under the open sky. Children would have room to run and play, and the meadow could include walking paths and benches for those who simply want a peaceful place to enjoy nature.
The city would no longer face the enormous expense of trying to reclaim the lake. Instead, routine mowing and basic park maintenance could create an attractive community gathering place that residents could enjoy for generations.
This makes some cents.
Drain the lake!
Just drove by today 7ish pm right now after my Costco run lake still looks like crap. These contractors are laughing straight to the bank.
I’m sorry, but after all she said, it just sounds like they’re clueless.
So yesterday coming home by Waverly a flat trailer with no side racks was in front of us and the fern weed was dropping off the trailer, seen several pieces laying on the road, good way to spread it to small creeks or waterways.
The only way I know is Summer when people complain about lake. Can set your calendar by it.
I wonder if they would have installed more fountains instead of bubbler it that could have been a better fix plus it would have gave it a better look . I would add Three more so you have a total of four .Who knows but dumping 24,000 a year into it dose not make much sense to me.What do they do to the big lake by the airport I never seen it on that park.
Here is a question: What has changed over the last several years to have caused this problem?
I’ll mention the sewer line on the west side. This was a couple of years after the side walk pathway was put in there.
Who knew there were so many scientists in Albany and all of them in Hasso’s comment section. Turns out the experts were here all along.
At Shorewood Estates we have two ponds. They have something that they put in the water that has helped keep it fairly clean plus constant water fountain.
Hasso Hering has kept the Albany area informed for several years. I am surprised that he still is active in providing these updates, Thank you. Hasso.