Next time you visit Lake Elizabeth in Central Park, be sure to check out our new interpretive sign located right next to the Visitor’s Center. Positioned to offer the perfect vantage point of the City’s Lake Elizabeth Water Quality Improvement Pilot Project, the sign provides a detailed look at this vital initiative. Launched in summer 2025, the project aims to protect our local wildlife and strengthen the lake’s resilience against extreme heat.
The project was implemented following a fish die-off event that occurred in Lake Elizabeth in July 2024. Expert analysis determined that the cause was a combination of shallow lake depth and extreme heat, which led to a drop in oxygen levels. To help prevent this from occurring in the future, the City implemented the project to stabilize water temperatures and maintain healthy oxygen levels in the lake.
The project’s measures currently at work on the lake’s surface include:
nine vegetated floating islands that provide vital shaded shelters for fish and create new habitats for both aquatic and land-based organisms,
a fountain and two aerators that help stabilize water temperatures, keep the water oxygenated, and improve water circulation to prevent algae growth, and
three monitoring probes that collect real-time data on how effective the measures are in keeping the lake’s temperature and oxygen levels stable.
The Lake Elizabeth Water Quality Improvement Pilot Project has been well received by the community, and we’re excited to share the following updates.
Thriving habitats: After overcoming early challenges with plant die-offs and pelicans using them as resting spots, the floating islands have successfully taken root. They are now flourishing above the surface, while fish have started to gather in the protected havens below.
Ongoing maintenance: City staff has gained valuable hands-on experience with the maintenance required to keep these measures running efficiently, providing a better understanding of what is needed to ensure the project’s success.
Data collection: While we’re still waiting for a major heat event to fully test the measures, they’re all functioning as intended. We’ll continue monitoring the data and providing updates.
Future planning: The insights gained from this pilot project are being used to develop a comprehensive lake management plan. This future roadmap will explore expanding successful measures to other areas of the lake, incorporating shoreline plantings, and introducing additional protection measures. City staff is currently defining the scope for this expanded effort.
Stay tuned for more updates as we work to keep Lake Elizabeth a healthy haven for wildlife and a place our community can enjoy for years to come.