This view in 2022 is looking from the top of the retention pond dam back over the pond area dug. Note the concrete culvert at low center-right and off in the background is the rear of the Senior Citizens Center.
The two aerators are now working at the Linden City Park retention pond.Their purpose is to circulate the pond water, thereby helping to keep mosquitoes in check and disallowing stagnant areas to develop.
The earthen dam being dug for a retention pond is shown in this 2021 photo awaiting the concrete rocks that will form the retaining walls of the dam. Note the center culvert which is four feet in diameter and will give a regulated water flow.
New aerators in retention pond at Linden City Park
Two aerators have appeared on Linden’s recently completed retention pond created in 2021-22 to help solve the town’s drainage problems.
The aerators will circulate the pond water, its motion thereby helping to keep mosquitoes in check and disallowing stagnant areas to develop.
The work was accomplished just two blocks from the town square at the town’s city park with a $2 million grant from the Texas General Land Office (GLO).
The fix to the problem was to create proper channels for run-off of water coming from the town’s center. That water is poured into a large pond built right behind the senior citizens center. The pond was expected to reach about 2.5 acres in size with a 22 foot depth at it lowest. The earthen dam is pierced by a culvert four feet in diameter to allow the proper and regular flow of almost any amount of water.
At the time of the project, Linden City Manager Lee Elliott noted that by having such a pond and drainage improvement, water gets off streets more quickly and with less depreciation on roads. It also improves public safety because more water on roads allows hydroplaning.
The project also benefits the use of the park by the public.
“It is not only more attractive but our goal one day is to have people enjoy visiting and maybe even fishing,” Elliott said.
“My view is that the Linden Park could be an amazing park, once we get a master plan. Its natural setting and native flora could make it an educational setting. The future also holds entertainment usage at the park. Not many 9 have such an opportunity.”
The background for the General Land Office grant to Linden was that the purpose of the grant awards would be to improve infrastructure for communities impacted by the floods of 2016. Such funds were awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Community Development Block Grant Program.
The aeration now being accomplished is the process by which air is circulated through a liquid or other substance to create additional surface area in the mixture and allow for greater chemical reactions.