A popular lake in Colorado Springs is set to undergo big changes as a new construction project begins

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – On Thursday, city officials said a project to build an oxygen aeration system in Prospect Lake will begin this week.

The compression system is being built at the lake in Memorial Park to address the problem of toxic blue-green algae blooms in the water on hot days.

“It's harmful to pets, we've had fish kills, so we were looking for a long-term, sustainable solution to ensure the health of the lake and that's exactly what this system will do,” said Kim King, deputy director of parks, recreation. and cultural services.

According to officials, Prospect Lake has no rivers or streams, making it a quiet lake. This means it doesn't flow or move enough to provide enough oxygen to its ecosystem.

According to authorities, plastic pipes will be laid at the bottom of the lake through which oxygen will be pumped, allowing air to circulate more efficiently in the water source.

“It is a weighted plastic tube that is distributed throughout the lake. At the end of these tubes are diffusers, which are basically like bubbles. When you think about a giant scale aquarium, that's basically what it is,” King said.

Starting next week, construction will begin on a support building to house the ventilation system on the lakeshore. The project is funded by $450,000 in COVID relief funding awarded to the city.

“The ability to have the lake there and be able to use it instead of having to travel to something is huge for our boating and watersports community…It's a great aesthetic, so I think they're both, the very active “It really appeals to participants,” as well as those passive recreational athletes,” King said.

The project is scheduled to be completed by May 2025.

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