It’s a great time of year to enjoy time at Lake Johnson. Whether you like a to walk or run on the Greenway, fish from the bridge, or explore the lake on a paddle boat, there are countless ways to enjoy Lake Johnson Park.
If you’ve visited Lake Johnson Park lately, you’ve seen the construction at the dam and maybe a few other improvements that are happening. I thought it was time to catch up with the Lake Johnson Park Manager, Mark Elmore, and get the scoop on the latest things happening at Lake Johnson Park.
1) It looks like there is a re-zoning proposal for Lake Johnson or parts of Lake Johnson. Can you tell us what is proposed and how citizens can get involved?
[Mark] There is a movement afoot to have the south side of Lake Johnson reclassified as a “Nature Preserve.” This topic was discussed at last months West CAC meeting at the Powell Drive Park.
2) It appears that Lake Johnson has some new signs and wayfinding. Tell us about the new look for the park.
[Mark] We were very pleased to see our new signage. This is part of a much bigger City initiative and we were very pleased to be a part of it.
3) When will the dam improvement project be completed?
[Mark] We’ve been told it should be completed by the end of May, but all is weather dependent.
4) Are there any Summer programs that people can participate in at Lake Johnson?
[Mark] Yoga, Karate, Pet CPR/First Aid, Nature Photography, Drum Circles, Fitness Boot Camp, Running Group, Fly Fishing Schools, perhaps even Standup Paddle Boarding and Windsurfing.
5) The question on everyone’s mind. When and how is the lake going to be filled?
[Mark] When the Dam Renovation Project is complete, the lake will be able to return to its’ normal levels. The lake will return to its’ normal levels ‘naturally’. By that I mean the amount of water being siphoned out of the lake will be reduced to where it is less than the amount of water coming into the lake via run off and Walnut Creek.
About Lake Johnson Park
Lake Johnson Park is located just off of Avent Ferry Road and has multiple places to park or access via greenways if you’re walking, running, or biking. Lake Johnson has 3.5 miles of paved greenway trails and 1.9 miles of unpaved trails. The park also offers boating, picnic shelters, concessions, facility rentals, and a vast array of classes, special events and recreational opportunities for the entire family.
Interseted in fishing on the lake? You’ll find the Lake Johnson has largemouth bass, shell cracker, crappie, bream, catfish, and carp.