Boating Pond Update – a long journey!
As many of you are aware, our boating pond has remained
empty for the last 6 years.
The Friends of Broomfield Park have been working with the London Borough of Enfield to find a solution to refurbish and restore the pond.
Without a working pump, the water stagnates and attracts algae that can be poisonous to animals. It is therefore important to regularly empty and refill the pond with fresh water.
This has been a difficult piece of engineering and we are pleased with the outcome.
We look forward to welcoming back an area of the park that hasn’t been enjoyed as it should have been for such a long time. The pond is now full and will be regularly topped up over the summer months to take account of evaporation.
Article: Andrew Polycarpou
Below is a timeline of events:
Why has it taken so long!
The restoration aimed to re-establish the pond's essential fresh water supply and ensure proper drainage, thereby preserving its historical and recreational significance for the community.The prolonged delay in repairing the boating pond at Broomfield Park stemmed from a combination of technical challenges, logistical constraints, and funding issues.
Technical Challenges
The pond had been without a fresh water supply for many years due to the failure of a 30-year-old borehole pump. Additionally, the freshwater supply pipe from the borehole to the pond was blocked, and the base and walls of the pond were in poor condition. These issues necessitated extensive repairs, including the replacement of the pump and pipework, and restoration of the pond's structure.
Logistical Constraints
Accessing and repairing the borehole pump posed significant logistical challenges. The pump, located approximately 250 feet underground, required a heavy-duty crane for removal and replacement. However, the presence of a wildlife pond obstructed access, complicating the use of such equipment.
Securing the necessary funding for the repairs was a time-consuming process. Enfield Council had to allocate funds for the investigation and repair work, which included assessments by specialist engineers and the commissioning of contractors . These administrative procedures contributed to the overall delay in the restoration project.
Despite these challenges, repair work commenced in 2023. Further technical problems have arisen which delayed the expected completion date in August 2024, but now in April 2025 the works are complete and the boating pond is back!.
Image 1 below shows how a submersible pump draws water from what is a natural aquifer. Below ground (c200ft), there is a body of water and an electrically powered pump is used to draw water up a metal rising main. This is then fed horizontally into the boating pond. Using the pump to draw up water from the aquifer, regular filling and emptying of the Boating Pond water ensures the water does not stagnate and become polluted.
