A 1950s farm pond at one of Georgia’s busiest parks had leaking banks, failing pipes and decades of sediment; Roswell spent $3.1 million rebuilding it to manage runoff from 52 acres
A farm pond built in the 1950s at Roswell Area Park in Georgia has reopened after a nearly year-long restoration. The $3.1 million project rebuilt the pond’s embankment, replaced ageing stormwater infrastructure, removed decades of sediment and restored the walking trail around the water.According to North Atlanta Star, the pond is part of one of Roswell’s busiest public parks and receives runoff from a 52-acre drainage area. Over the years, problems developed beneath the surface. Tree roots weakened the earthen embankment, allowing water to escape, while old corrugated metal pipes and damaged retaining walls added to the problems.The restoration was designed to address those issues while improving the pond’s ability to handle stormwater. Crews also added new landscaping, 35 trees and habitat features for turtles. The work began in fall 2025 and continued through the winter and summer before the pond reopened on Thursday.The pond had originally been built as a farm pond, long before the surrounding land became a public park. As the area developed, the pond became part of Roswell Area Park, which now covers about 93 acres and includes athletic fields, tennis courts, a pool, playgrounds, a recreation centre and visual arts facilities.
Why the pond needed restoration
The pond’s earthen embankment had been weakened by tree roots, creating places where water could leak out. The corrugated metal pipes had also deteriorated, while retaining walls had suffered damage.At the same time, sediment had accumulated on the pond floor over decades. This reduced the depth of the water and limited the amount of stormwater the pond could store.That was important because the pond receives runoff from a 52-acre drainage area. It was not originally designed as a modern stormwater facility, meaning its ageing structures had limited ability to control water during heavy rainfall.The city rebuilt the embankment and upgraded the stormwater system with reinforced concrete pipes, reconstructed outlet structures and additional storage capacity.
New landscaping and a restored trail loop now surround the pond
Dredging removed decades of sediment
One of the major parts of the restoration was dredging. Crews removed material that had built up on the bottom of the pond over many years.Removing the sediment increased the pond’s depth and storage capacity. It also cleared pollutants and debris that could affect water quality.The southern embankment near the Bill Johnson Community Activity Building was also reconstructed. Trees whose roots had contributed to leakage were removed, after which the area was rebuilt, graded and planted.The new landscape includes 35 trees, native shrubs and groundcover. These plants were selected to help stabilise the soil and support wildlife around the pond.The city also added logs and other habitat structures near the water for turtles. Turtles have already begun returning to the restored pond, along with frogs.
Walking trail and habitat restored
The walking trail around the pond was also restored, bringing back a route that many park visitors use while walking through the area.The pond is located close to several of the park’s other facilities rather than in a separate natural area. Its closure meant visitors could continue using most of Roswell Area Park but could not access one of its quieter walking and wildlife-viewing areas.With the work complete, visitors can again walk around the pond and watch the wildlife. The new plantings and habitat structures are intended to support the area as it recovers.
Fishing will return later
Before the pond was drained, fish were moved as part of the restoration work. The city plans to gradually restock the pond with native fish species, but fishing will not resume immediately after the reopening.The water and habitat need time to stabilise before the fish population can be rebuilt in phases. Fishing is currently expected to return in late summer or autumn 2027.That means the reopening marks the return of public access, but the ecological restoration is not yet complete. People can once again use the trail and observe wildlife while the pond’s aquatic habitat continues to recover.The project was funded through Roswell’s voter-approved 2022 bond programme, which is supporting improvements to parks and public facilities across the city.
