The Rotary Club of Portage la Prairie is addressing natural growth at its cherished Duck Pond in Island Park, clarifying recent resident inquiries and outlining its ongoing maintenance commitment for the community landmark.
Recent visible green growth on the water’s surface had sparked some confusion, but Rotary Duck Pond Committee Chair Preston Meier explains it is a natural plant, not algae.
"This year, and we've had a lot of queries about it; there is a green substance on the water, and a lot of people do think it's an algae. We'd like to clear that up; it's actually duckweed," says Meier.
Unlike algae, which can cause odour issues, duckweed is a small, free-floating plant that thrives in calm, nutrient-rich water. It is a natural part of the pond's ecosystem and not harmful.
The club is using new, environmentally friendly treatments to manage its growth in the main pond.
"We've ordered those, and we started to put them in the water, and we are seeing a bit of a noticeable difference that it's starting to get less," Meier points out, adding that, "It's environmentally friendly, and it's designed to curb the duckweed."
The club plans to allow duckweed to remain freely in the southern body of water behind the main pond, designating it as a natural area for wildlife. Meiers adds that ducks, as the name implies, are particularly fond of the plant.
Weed harvester not suitable for pond
While the city employs a mechanical weed harvester to manage growth in Crescent Lake, that method is not an option for the Duck Pond due to its unique construction.
"The harvester actually wouldn't work in the duck pond. The duck pond has a liner in it," explains Meier.
This liner prevents deep-rooted weeds from growing up from the bottom, but organic matter like silt and sludge can accumulate. Maintenance involves manual labour rather than mechanical.
"I've got a chest wader, and probably I'm the only guy that fits. So I'm the guy that gets in there and kind of cleans up some of the garbage and the dead tree branches," he shares.
Meier also encourages residents to help keep the area pristine by using provided garbage receptacles, noting it is a shared community resource.
A community gem for all to enjoy
The Duck Pond, a project the Rotary Club rebuilt starting in 2019 with its initial planning, and continues to maintain under a 10-year agreement with the city, is a point of pride. Meier highlights it as a perfect spot for relaxation and community events.
He says the Rona-sponsored viewing deck is a popular spot that can be reserved for free through the city for weddings, photos, or other gatherings.
"There's no rent cost to it, but you do need to reserve it," he says. "If you are having a wedding or a family reunion, grad pictures, or you just want to take pictures in an idyllic setting, this really is the place for that."
While not revealing specifics, Meier confirms the club is continually looking at ways to enhance the space for the community.
"The committee is in the middle of discussing them," he says, noting any future additions would depend on available funds and sponsors.
Meier invites everyone to experience the park's beauty firsthand, from its gardens maintained by club volunteers and local sponsors to its peaceful ambiance.
"Hopefully we can control the duckweed and make it a little bit more presentable, although the duckweed doesn't cause any issues," he says. "But again, presentation is important and having that cleaned up would make a big, big difference."