SUN CITY – There are two ways to take care of the Wildflower Lake shoreline in Sun City.
One of them is to prevent erosion by installing rocks or other hard material at the water’s edge. The other is to make the shoreline accessible and safe for persons of all ages so they can enjoy fishing and walking along the shoreline.
These two things are not totally compatible, however.
Large boulders installed in recent years along the lake’s eastern shoreline (the one closest to Del Webb Boulevard) have successfully controlled erosion of the Shoreline. But they have created a rough surface near the water’s edge that is inconvenient and unsafe for fishing and other activities, according to members of the Anglers Club and an officer of the Grandma, Grandpa, and Me Charter Club.
First, a bit of history. The 19-acre lake was created from the Kishwaukee River when the community opened in 1999. Its two main purposes have been fishing and flood control. A few small boats were provided for resident use in the early days, but that activity was soon dropped for lack of interest. Fishing is allowed in warm weather seasons, and is pursued mostly by members of the Anglers Club. The Grandma, Grandpa, and Me Club conducts its fishing derby every July for children and grandchildren of residents.
In the early years of Sun City, grass and low-lying vegetation was planted right up to the water’s edge. Large pieces of flat, flagstone rock were installed at intervals along the eastern shore to provide “landings,” or special fishing locations. Landings also have been created at a few places along the northern and western shores.
But along the way, erosion occurred on the eastern shore, because of wave action created by the prevailing west-east winds.
So, in 2012, the association installed large boulders along many sections of the eastern shoreline. They are successfully reducing erosion, but the shoreline now is rough and uneven, creating what many residents say is an unsafe area. Descriptions of the shore recently varied from inconvenient to unattractive to dangerous.
The association put down some gravel in an area near the pier in recent months in an attempt to smooth out the shoreline and create a safer “path” for fisherman and walkers to navigate. Anglers Club members say it isn’t enough.
At the May 18 association board of directors meeting, the matter was discussed, and there was no consensus on what action to take. Concerned about liability possibilities, board members finally decided, unanimously, to install “fish at your own risk” signs along the shoreline.
The Sun Day spent a couple of hours with several Anglers Club members last week. The fisherman said they appreciated the association’s efforts and time to maintain the shoreline, but they did take issue with the signs decision.
“We don’t need the signs, and besides, they would imply that the association isn’t liable, and they are,” said Jim Jiran, club secretary. “The signs aren’t necessary and will create a wrong impression. The large rocks are doing a good job of controlling erosion, but they create an unsafe shoreline. We’d like to see more gravel and fine material put down to smooth out the water’s edge and make it safe.”
Other clubs also take issue with unfolding events.
“We have the Grandma, Grandpa and Me Club coming here July 20 for their annual fishing derby,” said Ed Dzubinski, club past president. “The fishing derbies recently have made us nervous, we’re fortunate we haven’t had any accidents. We have people coming here on wheel chairs, crutches, and walkers. They can’t navigate this area, and they should be able to, at least to some extent.”
Cindy Ptak shares this opinion.
“I’m worried about our upcoming derby, said Ptak, president of the Grandma, Grandpa, and Me Club. “We’ve managed so far to hold a safe derby, with the help of Angler’s Club members and parents of the children, but it’s not ideal.”
Jiran agrees.
“We would like to have our shoreline back,” he said. “Put more gravel down on the eastern shore, and smooth more of the area where the boulders are. There are ways to take care of erosion, and fisherman. Give us the shoreline we had before.”
Club members say they have been told there are funds in the association’s reserve maintenance budget to pay for some additional work at the lake. But they say they don’t know how much, nor when it will be used. Jiran said he tentatively planned to attend this week’s (June 1) Committee of the Whole board meeting to discuss the situation.
At the end of the May 18 board meeting, the board did not come to any repair conclusions, and asked the maintenance staff to continue to look at options.
