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Herriman reviews Blackridge reservoir season, considers buoy line and signage after algae closures
Summary
Staff reported reduced incidents but multiple algae closures and pavilion cancellations at Blackridge/Blackwood Reservoir; council directed staff to price buoy-line options and review signage and app notifications to clarify "no swimming/limited water contact" rules and reduce risk.
Lauren, a parks presenter, reviewed the 2024–2025 season at Blackridge/Blackwood Reservoir, saying the city continued a paid weekend-and-holiday parking program and adjusted pavilion rental fees. She told the council the program produced modest revenue but did not fully cover operating costs and that August algae blooms forced multi-day closures and caused at least three pavilion cancellations. "We implemented the parking program in the parking lot," Lauren said during her presentation.
Council members and staff discussed safety and enforcement after the closures. Several councilmembers urged stronger signage and clearer messaging that the reservoir is an open body of water and not a monitored swimming pool. One councilmember proposed a roped or buoyed demarcation that allows wading or paddle use close to shore while restricting deeper swimming; another suggested increased signage that would explicitly warn of contaminants and temperature change risks. Staff was asked to "price it out" for a buoy system and to propose language for additional signs.
The presentation also covered operational costs and staffing. Staff noted police overtime and deployment to the reservoir on busy weekends as a material cost of the amenity; Blackridge staffing and supplies were presented as part of the season budget. Lauren reported a resident survey went to roughly 120 recipients and returned 10 responses, with 9 of 10 rating this year's operation as good or very good.
Council debated possible mitigations: larger, clearer warning signs; a buoyed swim-limit or no-entry line; selective water-contact zones for paddleboards and kayaks; and non‑required life‑jacket stations or volunteer lake hosts. Staff said enforcement would be complex without dedicated on-site staff; council discussed using push notifications in the parking app to present safety warnings to users who park at the reservoir.
No formal policy change or vote occurred. Council asked staff to return with cost estimates for a buoy system, revised signage language, and feasibility for delivery of push-notification warnings tied to the parking app. The matter will return for future discussion and possible inclusion in 2026 operational planning.
