The City of Roswell is moving forward with a comprehensive improvement project at Roswell Area Park Pond, reinforcing the City’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing one of its most beloved public spaces. Made possible through Roswell’s voter-approved Bond Program, the Roswell Area Park Pond Improvement project will address long-standing infrastructure issues at the pond while preserving the natural environment and ensuring the space remains a safe, accessible destination for recreation.
Project highlights include:
- The rehabilitation of the pond’s failing embankment due to tree root infiltration, which is causing the pond to consistently leak.
- The replacement of aging pipes, damaged retaining walls, and other structures to improve safety and enhance the pond’s infrastructure.
- Dredging the pond to increase stormwater storage capacity and pond health.
- Restoration work and native landscaping that will support the integrity of the pond and native wildlife for decades to come.
- Replacement and enhancement of the pond trail loop.
This project is part of our broader vision to ensure Roswell’s parks and natural spaces continue to serve our residents with beauty, safety, and sustainability. We’re investing in both the structural needs of this critical facility and the recreational and environmental experience it provides for our community.
Mayor Kurt Wilson
Addressing the Failing Embankment and Water Loss
This is the first major rehabilitation of the pond’s embankment and wall since its construction as a farm pond in the 1950s, long before the City took ownership of the property. The key issue being addressed is a failing embankment, an earthen detention structure on the southern end of the pond (nearer to the Bill Johnson Community Activity Building). The pond has experienced consistent and increasing water loss due to embankment leakage and structural issues with the retaining wall, prompting repairs.
The embankment (made of compacted soil topped with crushed gravel) was intended to detain the pond’s water. However, over the past several decades, many trees that were not part of the original landscape have unintentionally sprouted on top of the embankment. These trees are called “volunteer” trees. The trees’ root systems have introduced air and water channels within the embankment, weakening it and leading to significant water loss.
To restore the embankment function and safety, approximately 57 of these “volunteer” trees must be removed from the embankment. Contractors will then reconstruct the embankment, and the area will be regraded, sodded, and planted with native landscaping. The pond’s trail will be restored, although it may be reconfigured slightly to accommodate the redesign.
“What is a “volunteer” tree? This is a botanical term that refers to a sapling that sprouts and grows on its own, rather than being deliberately planted by a person.
Improving Stormwater Function
The pond at Roswell Area Park collects runoff from a 52-acre drainage basin. However, because it was originally constructed as a farm pond—long before the City acquired the property—it was never designed for stormwater management and currently provides little detention benefit to the community.
Over time, the pond’s infrastructure has deteriorated. Old, corrugated metal pipes have severely degraded, and the surrounding retaining walls show significant aging and damage. Combined with the failing embankment, the pond is in urgent need of repair to preserve and enhance its stability.
As part of this project, contractors will completely redesign the stormwater system to meet modern standards. Key improvements include replacing failing corrugated metal pipes with durable, reinforced concrete pipes and rebuilding water outlet structures to eliminate leaks and provide more reliable water flow.
These upgrades will significantly improve detention capacity and extend the long-term integrity of the pond system. For the community, a modernized stormwater system means rainfall is managed effectively, preserving recreation spaces and supporting a sustainable, resilient park environment for years to come.
Dredging: Removing Sediment, Restoring Function and Health
Over the years, sediment has built up in the Roswell Area Park pond, reducing its depth and limiting its ability to store stormwater. Dredging will remove this accumulated material, restoring and enhancing the pond’s capacity and improving its function as part of the community’s stormwater system. By clearing away decades of buildup, dredging helps reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rains and supports the performance of the new stormwater infrastructure being installed.
In addition to these engineering benefits, dredging will also enhance the pond’s environmental health. Removing sediment improves water quality by eliminating pollutants and debris that have settled at the bottom, creating clearer, cleaner water. A healthier pond provides stronger habitat for fish and other wildlife that rely on this ecosystem.
For the community, the result will be a safer, more attractive, and more resilient park amenity—one that protects surrounding neighborhoods while also creating a better experience for everyone who enjoys Roswell Area Park.
Comprehensive Wildlife Relocation Plan & Pond Restocking
Wildlife management is an essential part of the project, and the City has dedicated resources to ensure this aspect is handled with care and professionalism.
To complete the Roswell Area Park Pond project, the pond’s water must be removed. Prior to beginning the dewatering process, the City’s contractor will implement a comprehensive wildlife relocation plan to ensure that the pond’s fish are safely and humanely relocated from the pond to a suitable new habitat. This process will be conducted by professionals using best practices to minimize stress on the animals and ensure environmental stewardship throughout the project. The pond will be restocked with native species once the work is complete.
Other wildlife, such as turtles, frogs, and ducks, will relocate on their own. This will occur naturally during the dewatering process, which will happen in phases.
Trails and Access
During construction, the pond and surrounding trail areas will be closed to the public for safety. Public access routes will be adjusted with clear signage and regular updates. Once the project has been completed, the pond will be reopened for public use, including trail access and fishing.
Benches and memorials surrounding the pond will be safely removed, stored, and reinstalled post-construction.
Trees and Native Replanting Plan
In addition to the 57 trees that have compromised the embankment, 47 additional trees around the pond will be removed for access and construction staging, as well as to repair the stormwater pipes. Protective fencing will be installed around the many remaining trees at the pond to support them throughout construction.
The Roswell Area Park Pond replanting plan includes at least 30 native trees, as well as thousands of native shrubs and groundcover to stabilize the soil, restore habitat, and improve the pond’s long-term health.
Project Costs, Funding, and Timeline
The Roswell Area Park Pond Improvements project is funded by the taxpayer-approved Bond Program and will be delivered through the City’s Capital Improvement Program. The total estimated cost of the project is $3.1 million.
Construction Timeline
- Week of Sept. 15, 2025: Walkway across embankment closed for public safety.
- Week of Sept. 29: Entire trail around pond will close. Contractor will start required erosion control for pond dewatering and install construction screening in parking lot.
- Week of Oct. 6: Contractor will start dewatering process and wildlife relocation
- Week of Dec. 1: Contractor will begin dredging and embankment rehabilitation
- Winter-Summer 2026: Active construction
- Fall 2026: Estimated Completion
Roswell’s Ongoing Commitment to Park Improvements
This effort is part of the City of Roswell’s larger initiative to improve and modernize facilities across its park system. In recent years, Roswell has made targeted investments to enhance accessibility, upgrade infrastructure, and protect the city’s natural and recreational resources for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Roswell Area Park Pond Improvements Project?
The City of Roswell is launching a $3.1 million infrastructure and environmental project designed to restore and improve the pond at Roswell Area Park. This effort will rehabilitate the failing embankment, replace aging stormwater pipes and walls, dredge the pond to restore depth and capacity, and enhance trails, landscaping, and public amenities.
Why is this project needed?
The pond was originally built as a farm pond and was not designed for stormwater management. Over time, its infrastructure has deteriorated. The embankment is leaking due to tree root infiltration, old corrugated metal pipes have degraded, and sediment buildup has reduced stormwater storage.
What is the City doing to protect wildlife during construction?
Prior to beginning the dewatering process, the City’s contractor will implement a comprehensive wildlife relocation plan to ensure that the pond’s fish are safely and humanely relocated from the pond to a suitable new habitat. This process will be conducted by professionals using best practices to minimize stress on the animals and ensure environmental stewardship throughout the project. The pond will be restocked with native species once the work is complete.
Other wildlife, such as turtles, frogs, and ducks, will relocate on their own. This will occur naturally during the dewatering process, which will happen in phases.
Will trees be removed as part of the project? If so, why and is there a replanting plan?
Yes, 57 “volunteer” trees (trees that were not deliberately planted) must be removed from the embankment due to root infiltration. The trees’ root systems have introduced air and water channels into the embankment, weakening it and leading to leaks and significant water loss. An additional 47 trees around the pond will be removed for access and construction staging, as well as to repair the stormwater pipes. Protective fencing will be installed around the many remaining trees at the pond to support them throughout construction.
The Roswell Area Park Pond replanting plan includes at least 30 native trees, as well as thousands of native shrubs and groundcover to stabilize the soil, restore habitat, and improve the pond’s long-term health.
Will the pond be restocked after construction? Will fishing be permitted again?
Yes. Once construction is complete and the pond’s environment is stabilized, the City will restock the pond with native fish species. There will be a recommended waiting period to allow fish populations to establish themselves before fishing resumes.
Will the pond trails remain open?
The trail around the pond will be closed during construction for public safety. Access to some parts of Roswell Area Park may be rerouted. Signage will be installed in advance to help guide parkgoers. The pond trail will be rebuilt and opened to the public after construction is complete.
How much does this project cost and how is it funded?
The project is bond-funded and is estimated to cost approximately $3.1 million. It is being delivered through the City’s taxpayer-supported Bond Program as part of a broader investment in Roswell’s parks and stormwater infrastructure.
When will construction begin and how long will it take?
Full trail closure and site preparation will start on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Dewatering and wildlife relocation will begin in October. Dredging and embankment rehabilitation will begin in December, with project completion expected in fall 2026.
Will the 9/11 Memorial stay at the pond?
Yes. The 9/11 Memorial will remain an important feature of the pond. The area will not be accessible during construction, but the public will be able to access it again when the project is complete (fall 2026).
