High Park Sprinkbank Duck Ponds (to be filled in)

[Grant]

I have been told that they are going to drain the duck ponds and fill them in and create childrens playgrounds out of them??
Those ponds and the works around them have been there for a long time. Are they not historical sites. I know they are valuable wildlife areas that attract a lot of wildlife. The sorry state of the mud flats is because they have turned off the flow of water into the ponds not just that it is a dry year. Whats next are they just going to pave over High Park and create a Skate Park or Wild Water Kingdom.

[Ron Luft]

I have contacted some people who would know and the answer is NO. That was an idea talked about perhaps 10 or more years ago at the time of the revamping of the zoo road and the enclosures. That was to be a potential addition to a phase 2 of the project (mothballed). Currently the 'idea' isn't on anybodies 'radar' screen as far as today goes. The problem for the dry pond is that it is higher than Spring Cr. and relies solely on rain water for replenishment. It used to be fed by tap water. The pond immediately south of that one, that still has water in it, may (though it has very low priority) get some shoreline remediation as the stone wall surrounding, is crumbling.  If continued dry conditions persist the issue may be revisited as it can be an eye-sore by this time of year and where else would people go to feed the ducks, it's chief attraction?  While the occasional Heron (G.B. or Bl.Cr.) may be found there in the spring it is hardly a noteworthy birding area. As far as the other two ponds in that area go, where birds can be found, it isn't a worry. Hope to have eased some fears.

[Iain]

Just for clarification purposes Ron, when you refer to 'the other two ponds... where birds can be found', are you referring to the pond to the right of Picnic Area #22 and the one immediately south of it? (see map below)

Map Courtesy www.toronto.ca/parks/highpark



Thanks,
Iain

[Ron Luft]

That is correct. Those two have water. The furthest south pond near the Queensway (best of 3) has a storm water retention wetlands in it (installed within last 10 years, can't really remember off the top of my head).  Both of those and even the one in question (not) at #23 often host GB Herons, G.Egrets, Blk.Cr.NHerons and Green Herons. Last couple of years; Wood Ducks, Pied Billed (Extr.South pond) both Teals.