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Councilors press Parks for plan after Water Shops Pond overgrowth; hydro‑raking could cost millions, staff say
Summary
Councilors pressed Springfield Parks on persistent aquatic weeds at Water Shops Pond after the lake was drained and refilled; Parks cited a $155,000 hydro‑rake for a small area and said full mechanical removal could reach millions and requires Wetlands Protection Act permitting.
Councilors at a Springfield City Council Maintenance and Development subcommittee meeting pressed Parks Department officials for a clear plan after residents reported extensive aquatic weeds and debris at Water Shops Pond.
Tom Ash, executive director of Springfield Parks, told the subcommittee that hydro‑raking a small area near Springfield College cost $155,000 and that removing the widespread grasses in the larger pond could cost "several million dollars." "That cost was $155,000 just for that small portion to eradicate…
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