The Zumberge Pond Conversion project is one of the more notable concentrations of construction underway on the Grand Valley State University campus this summer. With massive mounds of rocks, dirt and heavy machinery, many passers-by are left wondering what exactly all this pond construction is for.

Vice president of facilities and planning, James Moyer, said the work underway is addressing four matters: outdoor events, storm water management, irrigation water quality and ADA compliant accessibility on the north end of the pond.

Originally constructed in the 1960s, the pond is at the southern portion of a ravine that originally stretched as far as the Performing Arts Center. The runoff from the four acre surrounding drainage area flows into the pond, however with the current pond water level maintained by overflow structure in the pond, there is no storm water storage and any excess runoff flows through the pond and into the ravines.

“The pond was originally constructed to assist with storm water management and eventually transitioned into a landscape feature,” Moyer said. “The work, currently underway, will restore a portion of the storm water management capability by allowing the pond level to float approximately six inches.”

The six inches will allow the pond to capture rainwater for irrigation use.

“The irrigation system is being altered so that the well that supplies water for lawn irrigation will be piped to the pond,” Moyer said. “This will allow some of the sediment to drop from the well water before it is then used for lawn irrigation. This along with the captured storm water will be the source of irrigation for the original buildings and including the new library site.”

Moyer said the west side of the pond (between the pond and Kirkhof Center) is being raised to create a dyer area as well as improve aesthetics to create display lawn for campus events and tent space with library construction on West Kirkhof lawn occupying the old site of many tent-type activities on campus. Tiered retaining walls along pond will serve as an edge for seating.

Lastly, the sidewalks on the north end of the pond are being reworked to bring the slopes more in line with the ADA requirements for wheelchair use.

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