Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
14 million dollars spent, and already, the newly renovated reflecting pool in Washington DC is having trouble .. but I don't want to point fingers and blame anyone: The proper treatment for this water feature shouldn't be held up over politics!
My plan involves deepening a channel around the perimeter of the pool, and stabilizing the far and near banks with concrete, sealed for marine use. Along the Elm Walks adjacent channels, Willow trees should be planted at regular intervals in the channels. The willows will help reduce available nutrients in the water column, preventing algae blooms. Benches along the edge of the water feature will benefit from the shade that the trees provide, and a low wall along the edge would help prevent tourists from accidently falling in to the pool. Sterilized grass carp would be released into the channels to remove any algae that begins to grow in excess, and mosquitofish* should be included to prevent swarms of biting insects spawning in the shallow waters.
This approach avoids damage to the Potomac River's systems, while providing the parks department with a lovely _natural_ water feature to take care of. There is nothing at all wrong with a leader declaring "It wasn't right, the people didn't like it, and we know that if something isn't working, the worst thing to do is to keep throwing more money into the same solution. My guy is a great pool guy .. but wait until you see the Pond guys we found .."
Maybe this time, don't make it a no-bid contract, and open up the playing field for small operations to collaborate., 50 contractors from 50 States has a nice optic to it, and it goes a long way towards giving the people a sense of ownership.
*These fish are already in the river, but it may go well with many conservationists if an attempt to support native bluegill and minnows is made. They will have spawning requirements in excess of what I have already described, but might be maintained through routine stocking.
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14 million dollars spent, and already, the newly renovated reflecting pool in Washington DC is having trouble .. but I don't want to point fingers and blame anyone: The proper treatment for this water feature shouldn't be held up over politics!
My plan involves deepening a channel around the perimeter of the pool, and stabilizing the far and near banks with concrete, sealed for marine use. Along the Elm Walks adjacent channels, Willow trees should be planted at regular intervals in the channels. The willows will help reduce available nutrients in the water column, preventing algae blooms. Benches along the edge of the water feature will benefit from the shade that the trees provide, and a low wall along the edge would help prevent tourists from accidently falling in to the pool. Sterilized grass carp would be released into the channels to remove any algae that begins to grow in excess, and mosquitofish* should be included to prevent swarms of biting insects spawning in the shallow waters.
This approach avoids damage to the Potomac River's systems, while providing the parks department with a lovely _natural_ water feature to take care of. There is nothing at all wrong with a leader declaring "It wasn't right, the people didn't like it, and we know that if something isn't working, the worst thing to do is to keep throwing more money into the same solution. My guy is a great pool guy .. but wait until you see the Pond guys we found .."
Maybe this time, don't make it a no-bid contract, and open up the playing field for small operations to collaborate., 50 contractors from 50 States has a nice optic to it, and it goes a long way towards giving the people a sense of ownership.
*These fish are already in the river, but it may go well with many conservationists if an attempt to support native bluegill and minnows is made. They will have spawning requirements in excess of what I have already described, but might be maintained through routine stocking.
Join this channel to get access to perks, such as badges, custom emojis, exclusive content and live stream sessions, shout outs, discounts at our online nursery and more!
youtube.com/channel/UCQprkd1EpaCq3QSrAN8EWbg/join
