Renovations for the Reservoir- What is going on at Druid Lake Park?

#Baltimore #DruidHill

The construction project taking place in Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, Maryland is slated to not only provide a facelift for the park but to help secure our most vital resource: water. In an effort to help secure the city’s water supply, plans were drawn up and work began in 2017 to renovate the reservoir at Druid Lake. The project consists of constructing two large reservoir tanks under what will be the newly renovated Druid Lake Park. The tanks are a whopping 450 and 500 feet in diameter, and when completed will hold more than 50 million gallons of water. While this means a reduction in the size of the lake, the tanks will protect the water from contaminants and prevent the need for further treatments. Construction cost Consultant, Antonio Loffredo said "This is something that should have been started when the legislation passed in 2009, stating all water storage tanks must be covered, Due the cost and size of project along with COVID issues numerous federal deadlines have passed and the EPA said this must be done by the end of 2023. That isn't going to happen though. I give it mid 2024 at the earliest."

Prior to construction, the surrounding Druid Lake Park was as a place for local residents to enjoy green space, take a walk or a bike ride around the lake,and often served as a place of gathering for the local community to hold festivals. Local residents are looking forward to being able to enjoy the park’s new amenities. When the park reopens it will offer an additional 14 acres of usable park space, a new amphitheater, and a new path around the lake for pedestrians and cyclists. Safety improvements have been made as well including new lighting and wider walkways. With the tanks being covered residents will be able to swim and boat in the lake.

One of America’s first large public parks will now be preserved for generations to come.