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3 Oaks Pond plan prompts debate over stormwater funds and recreation use
Summary
Staff presented a plan to grade and pipe 3 Oaks Pond and repurpose the drained detention area as a passive park; several board members said using stormwater funds for recreation is poor optics and asked staff to return with prioritized stormwater project lists and funding availability.
Staff presented a design from Lanier Engineering to grade and pipe 3 Oaks Pond (Pheasant & Meadowlark), a roughly 1.5‑acre detention pond that was partially drained after stormwater was diverted to Lake Cornelia. The design would fill ditches and create a smooth area intended for passive community use.
Staff said the drainage issue that originally caused pond flooding was fixed and that the proposal is an opportunity to repurpose the site for recreation. Board members questioned whether stormwater funds should be used for park amenities, noting outstanding drainage projects (Valencia, South Madison) and asking for a broader prioritization of stormwater projects and available funds. One board member said the proposal reads as a recreation project rather than a stormwater remedy and suggested pulling it until the board can review the full project queue and funding.
Staff agreed to pull the item and return with a prioritization of projects, funding availability, and timing. Board members also requested monthly project updates to improve oversight of stormwater capital work.
Next steps: staff will produce a prioritized list of stormwater projects, show current funding and schedules, and present options for how to treat 3 Oaks Pond (stormwater project vs recreation) at a future meeting.
