Hamlet Park is getting pond maintenance work done. Located northeast of Thompson Grove, work started Monday, Feb. 17 at removing accumulated pond sediment at the site, meant to return the pond to its purpose of flood protection and sediment storage.
Anticipated to last one month but weather dependent on its actual duration, the project is anticipated to see water levels in the upper pond drop by approximately two feet. Work on the project will include tree removal, construction matting, and the excavation of accumulated debris.
Construction equipment will include skid steers, excavators, and on and off-road trucks. The project is scheduled in winter because freezing conditions provide a firmer basis for the contractors to work on.
In order to maintain public safety, a segment of trails will be closed during the removal work, done by New Look Contracting. Park users are not advised to walk on the ice this winter as water levels fluctuate from the project. The city is partnering with the South Washington Watershed District, who provided a matching grant of $75,000 for the project.
Dating to the city’s suburban phase, Hamlet Park is Cottage Grove’s largest, with over 150 acres of park and open space including the William Crockett Fields, a park building along with picnic tables and shelters, and facilities for baseball, softball, volleyball, and basketball. Hamlet Park also hosts an ice rink, tennis courts, soccer field, playground, and grill area.
The park’s name originated from nearby Hamlet Avenue.