The city of Boise is reopening the popular ponds at Esther Simplot Park today for recreational use, including fishing, swimming and wading, after E. coli levels finally dropped and remained consistently low. The ponds, along with nearby Quinn’s Pond, were closed June 21 after unsafe levels of the bacteria were detected. Quinn’s Pond reopened on June 30, but the smaller ponds, which include a children’s wading beach, remained closed until today.

Repeated DNA tests showed dog and goose feces were the main sources of E. coli, the city reported; dogs are no longer allowed at either park and geese are being hazed to keep them on the move.

Loaner life jackets are available at the ponds, and people are reminded to follow safe practices including not swallowing the water, showering after swimming, using swim diapers, and taking children to the restroom.