“Lake Lipscomb,” as some informally call the planned water feature by the baseball field and tennis courts, had too much water for its own good.
While developing the retention pond into a lake area, complete with fountain, builders discovered an underground spring. So a plan had to be developed to deal with this excess “live” water source before continuing the development.
“Several design changes had to be made,” said Tom Wood, director of campus enhancement.
He said that new equipment had to be ordered to handle the spring water so that the lake can be completed.
Once the equipment arrives to deal with the unexpected water source, the contractors will be able to continue their construction of the lake.
Wood explains that when it’s completed, plans call for the area to include “added landscaping and eventually a variety of seating areas and other potential enhancements for student and community enjoyment.”
The cascading fountain planned for the lake will be 36 feet high. The lake will also provide irrigation for all of campus when it is finished, by pumping water from underground into the lake, and then on to irrigate campus.
The lake also will serve as a learning opportunity for students to enrich themselves in knowledge of plant species and the biological aspects of the area.
Campus enhancement is on track to have the lake finished in January 2011, weather permitting.
“There is also some discussion about providing the lake with fish,” said Wood.
Lipscomb will continue to grow and improve the look of its campus. The next plan to enhance campus is a fountain and baptistry in Bison Square.
“We anticipate completion of that project midsummer of next year,” Wood said. “This will not only be a beautiful water feature addition to campus but also serve as a baptistry for convenience on campus.”