University Lakes, next two projects

The first phase of University Lakes restoration is already showing its value. The lakes are deeper, which should improve water quality and hold more stormwater. The two biggest lakes are now connected and will be open for boating. Shorelines look more natural, with native plants meant to filter runoff and make the six-lake system more attractive.

Phase 2: The LSU Foundation has set two main priorities for the next round of work: 1) build walking and biking paths around the lakes, and 2) remake Milford Wampold Memorial Park.

1) Paths, by the numbers:

• A 14-foot-wide shared-use path on a realigned May Street, with lighting, landscaping and a larger park with amenities, should open before year-end.
• New 11-foot-wide shared paths will be constructed on Dalrymple and around most of University Lake, at an expected cost of $26 million when funding becomes available, says Mark Goodson of CSRS. He is overseeing the project for the LSU Foundation and its real estate arm. Various groups are considering a total of $11 million in funding.
• Owners of condos on Stanford Avenue, a dangerous pinch point, have agreed to allow safer paths to be built on their land, negating a very expensive option to construct a boardwalk over the lakes behind their property, says Goodson.

2) The park: Improvements to Milford Wampold Memorial Park are expected to cost $15 million. The site has long felt unfinished: open land, a bit of exercise equipment, public restrooms, parking and a stretch of sand. Dredged material has now expanded the park on Stanford. Sasaki will include a design for it in the broader plan for City Park and the lakes, a combined 600-acre landscape. The LSU Foundation will seek public and private funding to rebuild Wampold Park.

Timeline: There is no set start date for the paths and park, though some sections of the path system could begin next year. Before that, land for the paths and park has to settle and dry for several months.