Eagle Lake Park SWIM Improvement

The Eagle Lake Park is comprised of approximately 160 acres of land within central Pinellas County and the Allen's Creek drainage basin. The subject land parcel supported cattle and citrus production until 1997 when the land was purchased by Pinellas County for future use as a public park facility. During the early planning stages Pinellas County staff documented the presence of an abandoned shallow stream that had been dewatered by a deep ditch prior to 1926. The ditch had been constructed as a means to drain moisture from existing pasture. Between 1958 and 1964 approximately 125 single family homes were built on the west side of Eagle Lake Park . The stormwater run-off generated by the single family homes was directed to an un-permitted pond and water discharge conveyance occurred through the ditch system. Pinellas County has studied the existing stormwater conditions and has determined that restoration of the abandoned shallow stream would significantly improve water quality draining to Allen's Creek. It is Pinellas County 's goal to restore water quality and habitat quality to a 650' long section of abandoned shallow stream. When the natural shallow stream flow is restored it will help to support the re-establishment of a hardwood swamp and wet prairie. It is anticipated that the re-establishment of shallow stream flow will enhance habitat value and water quality reaching Allen's Creek. The Environmental Support Services Section has taken a central role in ensuring that these goals are met.