Lagoon Pumping and Dredging Uncover Hidden Treasures in Lafayette's Central Park

The Columbian Park lagoon, a beloved centerpiece of Lafayette's central park since its construction in 1876, has been undergoing a significant transformation. As part of the third stage of the $9.1 million project, crews from Kokomo-based Merrell Brothers have begun draining the lagoon and performing dredging work to uncover hidden treasures and restore the area.

The process began with an auger breaking up larger chunks of sediment before pumping the mixture into awaiting tanks for off-site processing. This week, workers used water from the northern lagoon to loosen up remaining silt and sediment to a 'protein shake' consistency, allowing them to uncover even more hidden items. Among the surprising finds were 23 oil drums, six bikes, a skateboard, a Bird scooter, and a plaque that was stolen from the Memorial Island cannon.

The dredging project is not only aimed at restoring the lagoon but also at uncovering its history. As crews drained the bottom section of the lagoon, they recovered over 2,700 fish, which were relocated off-site. The process has also revealed debris left behind over the years, including items from a bygone era.

The lagoon was originally constructed in the shape of a 'G' in honor of Mayor Glick, who served from 1875 to 1877. It was created using leftover dirt from the city's first pressurized waterworks system, built on the footprint that is now known as Columbian Park. The reservoir and pumping station were constructed in 1868.

According to Claudine Laufman, Lafayette parks superintendent, the project is not only restoring a beloved landmark but also creating a unique opportunity for visitors. 'And literally people stop by every single day and ask questions,' she said. 'It's such an amazing project that's going to have such huge impact on this overall park.'

The lagoon pumping and dredging project is expected to be completed as part of the larger $9.1 million transformation of Columbian Park. As the work continues, visitors can expect to see even more surprises uncovered from beneath the surface of the lagoon.

Lagoon pumping and dredging