The model boating pond in happier days - a 2013 photo by Marlene McAndrew
If you've been wondering why the model boating pond in Broomfield Park has been in such a sorry state for so long, it's because restoring the water supply from a borehole in the park is by no means straightforward. Kim Lumley from Friends of Broomfield Park explains why:
As you are all aware, the model boating pond in Broomfield Park remains empty and has not been properly maintained for more than eight years.
The problems:
- the borehole pump is not drawing water
- the freshwater supply pipe from the borehole to the boating pond is blocked
- the base and walls of the boating pond are in a very poor condition
We understand that Enfield Council have allocated funds to investigate the borehole pump and borehole downpipe in the first instance. Graham Campbell, structures and watercourses engineer for Enfield Council, has commissioned Miles Water Engineering to carry out the assessment.
We have met with a series of ever more specialist ‘borehole engineers’ who have visited the site to investigate courses of action to resolve the problem. It has been established that the borehole is 450ft deep; the pump is approx. 250ft down, and that it is suspended on a steel downpipe with a bore of between 6 and 10 inches. The pump has not had any maintenance since it was last replaced/repaired about 30 years ago.
To raise the pump and downpipe a heavy-duty crane will be required with an extended reach as the wildlife pond now obstructs access. A survey has been carried out by a specialist crane company and we are waiting to hear from the Council as to when the exploratory work will go ahead.
There is a long way to go with this, but the FoBP recognise the importance of the boating pond in terms of amenity and historical value as well as the aesthetic aspect to Broomfield Park and the local community. We will continue to engage with the council and our helpful local councillors to resolve the issue and restore the boating pond to its original function.
