Pond improvements: Mallard ducks and Canada geese share the west end of Mirror Pond at Manito Park on Saturday in Spokane, as the water is drained for renovation. Through a large valve in its side, the pond will be temporarily lowered about 1.5 feet this week, according to the city of Spokane Parks and Recreation Department. The drawdown is part of a series of improvement projects paid for by the Friends of Manito and designed to improve the water quality of the pond. This round of work is being done by contractor Land Expressions and will focus on restoring five areas of the pond with new plants and shoreline work. The new plants will be fenced off until they are established. Up to 5 feet of water will remain in the pond, leaving plenty of space for the birds, turtles and other wildlife.

Section:Photo

Thu., Sept. 6, 2012