Friends of Bachman Lake Newsletter - June 2023
"Some of the best memories are made in flip-flops." — Kellie Elmore
Bachman Aquatic Center is Open! A Guaranteed Wet Time For All
We have been waiting 3 years for the aquatic center to be completed and on opening day, it rained and it poured! But like all things must, it eventually ended and clouds parted and we are happy to share with you the details on this fantastic new facility!
First off, the admission fee is $4, a bargain for all the fun features! There is a climbing wall, a lazy river, a toddler play area, slides and a lap pool. The facility is open 6 days a week 12:30-3:30pm | 4:00-7:00pm. It is closed on Mondays. The season ends on August 13th, so go enjoy it, pronto!
Read about the opening festivities on May 19, 2023.
Making Noise About Noise
If there's anything we've learned about how community, government and business can work together it's that it takes persistence and diplomacy. These are values that Friends of Bachman Lake believe in and we're glad to see this approach used by other groups on matters that go beyond the borders of the lake – like airport noise.
Read more...
Park Ranger and Marshal Report
If you've noticed improvements at Bachman Lake Park, you can thank the numerous groups involved in cleanup and other activities. But another group of allies has been quietly making the rounds ensuring that park goers are keeping things in order and observing park policies.
Below are the types of issues and actions taken by Rangers and Marshals:
Homeless Issue - Ranger reported encampment between the Rec center and Webb Chapel Extension. Service request number is SR# 23-00223215
Smoking in the Park - Ranger informed patrons of rules regarding smoking in the park. Ranger gained compliance.
Sleeping in Public - Ranger informed patron of rules regarding sleeping in the park. Ranger gained compliance.
Parking Violation - Ranger educated vehicle owners of cars parked illegally in fire lane and gained compliance when asked to move vehicle to parking spaces
POUS (Parking on unpaved surface) - Ranger educated vehicle owners of cars parked illegally on turf and gained compliance when asked to move vehicle to parking spaces.
Dog Off Leash – Ranger educated patrons of off leash laws; however did not gain compliance from dog owners.
Illegal Vending - Ranger educated vendor regarding park rules and that vending in the park was not permitted and vendor complied and left
Alcohol consumption and possession (the Marshalls issue citations for these violations)
Privet Removal Moves Forward
The first round of privet removal in the Bachman Greenbelt was completed this past month by the Parks Department. It is amazing how much space has been created and we are greatly appreciative of their efforts. The invasive privet will take three years to remove but that has not kept us from dreaming about what this area can become!
A Public Service Announcement From Our Local Libraries
Although the online catalog is not available and you can't return books (not a bad thing!) due to the citywide ransomware attack, the facilities are open and they have planned some amazing summer activities for families – from movie matinees and the junior Cliburn piano concert, to story times and video game competitions!
Check out dates and times for events at the Bachman and Grauwlyer branches. You'll be amazed at what our librarians have put together!
Our Monthly Cleanup is every first Saturday!
You just need you but feel free to add friends and family to our monthly Plogging activities. Basically, it's picking up litter while jogging (or walking). A bag, some company if you like and a trip around the lake will help you stay active and healthy and keep the park beautiful!
See you this month!
Our ‘meeting of the minds’ at Bluffview Growler is on the 4th Wednesday of the month. No RSVP needed. Show up, say hello, grab a beverage and come sit with us to have some laughs and great talk!
Thank you for reading the Friends of Bachman Lake newsletter. Do you want to join the mailing list? Are you already on the list and need to update your information? Just click on the link below!