COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Motorized boating will be allowed this summer on Prospect Lake at Memorial Park. The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department had announced in February that the lake would be limited to non-motorized use starting May 1 due to the planned installation of an aeration system to assist with water turnover. After hearing public feedback, the department has decided to delay installation to allow motorized craft to use the lake this summer. The new system will now likely be installed in September.
Stagnant water is one of the conditions that contributed to the presence of blue-green algae and a subsequent shutdown of all recreational lake use in the summers of 2019 and 2020. Given the size and depth of Prospect Lake, motorboats could pose a risk to the new aeration system, which is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. The aeration system is currently in design, and the final design, which will determine recreational options on the lake, will be shared with the community this summer before the system is installed. The department’s goal is to design and install an aeration system that best manages the long-term health of the lake.
Prospect Lake will still operate under a “swim at your own risk” model on non-motorized days this summer. There will be no cost to swim, and signage will be added around the beach area acknowledging that there will be no lifeguards on duty. Non-motorized uses, including swimming, will not be allowed during motorized days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday) and during special events and pre-planned activities. The lake use schedule will be posted on ColoradoSprings.gov. Previously, swimming operations at the lake were run seasonally by the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region.
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February 15, 2022
New aeration system to be installed in Prospect Lake at Memorial Park
The City's Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department is installing an aeration system in Prospect Lake this summer that will benefit the long-term health of the lake and address one of the conditions that contributed to the presence of blue-green algae.
The City had to shut down recreational use of the lake in 2019 and 2020 because of the algae.
“Prospect Lake is a cherished community asset with stunning views of Pikes Peak, and we are committed to its health and vitality,” said Kim King, the City’s recreation and administration manager. “We believe and are hopeful that the new aeration system will help ensure safer water for recreating, a healthier habitat for wildlife, and improved aesthetics over the long-term.”
Non-motorized use only
As a result of the new infrastructure, only non-motorized activities will be allowed at Prospect Lake beginning May 1. Non-motorized use such as paddle boards, row boats, fishing, and swimming will still be allowed.
The public can rent stand-up paddleboards for use in the lake, and the Parks Department is in the process of soliciting additional proposals for activities to enhance lake usage.
Free swimming and beach access
Prospect Lake will also move to a “swim at your own risk” model beginning this summer. Previously, swimming operations were run seasonally by the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region on limited days and times. The change will allow for free public swimming at the popular spot, located in front of the Eni R. Jasperson Beach House. Signage will be added around the beach area acknowledging that there will be no lifeguards on duty.
Newly renovated beach house
And don’t forget the newly renovated beach house! The facility provides indoor and outdoor learning spaces, an outdoor gathering area with boulder seating, a rentable indoor great room for community events, beach volleyball, a lit patio, accessible beach access, and food and beverage items for purchase from local concessionaire, Lakeside Dawgs.