Whetstone Park pond remains empty after invasive species discovery. What's next?

Don't expect to cast your line into Whetstone Casting Pond anytime soon. The Clintonville park's pond remains drained after the discovery of an invasive species led to its closure in late July.

Although the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department predicted water would be refilled after about two weeks after the late July draining, that hasn't happened yet.

Water could be returned to the pond soon, but with construction taking place in nearby fields, park officials say the pond won't be restocked with fish until 2025.

Construction work is ongoing at one of the lower fields between the Olentangy Bike Trail, Whetstone High School and the pond, including drainage tile installation and irrigation to improve water flow. According to CPRD, more work is scheduled for next year, including pond renovation and new park amenities.

Dominique Shank, community relations director for CRPD, said the pond is currently being cleaned out for routine maintenance to remove debris and to ensure no more eggs from the invasive round goby fish remain.

Shank said the pond may be refilled with water in the next few days, but it will not be restocked with fish until construction plans are complete. According to the CPRD website , fields at the park undergoing construction will not be available to the public until fall 2025.

"Once construction starts, which is slated for next year, then the pond will not be accessible at all," Shank said. "Then, once construction is complete it'll be restocked with fish."

More changes coming to Whetstone Park

CRPD expects Whetstone to be "a busy place ... over the next two-three years."

This fall, the parking lot next to the enclosed shelter at the Park of Roses will be resurfaced and replaced.

Visitors can also expect renovations to the Community Center late next year.

The field that is being worked now is expected to be ready for use in the spring of 2026, according to CPRD. Although construction will finish long before, the fields need time to stabilize and grow.

These developments will result in a field that’s safer for play, requires fewer closures and is easier to maintain, according to the CRPD website.

ABayo@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Whetstone Park pond remains empty after invasive species discovery. What's next?