Baton Rouge Lakes: Restoring a Louisiana Landmark from Ecological Collapse to Cultural Sanctuary

Located in the heart of Baton Rouge, the lake system is in a position to provide a habitat oasis for both ecological and cultural interests. However, existing shallow lake depths, and the lack of diverse ecological systems contribute to the overall decline of the lakes.

Photo Credit: John Singleton
Media: Please submit high-resolution image requests to images@asla.org.

Map of Nature and Industry Interactions at Baton Rouge Lakes

The juxtaposition of Louisiana’s immense industrial networks and ecological riches create distorted perceptions of what it means to be from Baton Rouge. The Master Plan’s emphasis on best management practices establishes a cultural benchmark that will redefine the City.

Photo Credit: John Singleton
Media: Please submit high-resolution image requests to images@asla.org.

A sensitive approach to earthwork results in robust and diverse ecological and cultural systems. The necessity of deepening the lakes provides opportunities to create living edges that improve water quality, add habitat, and expand park space and trails.

Photo Credit: John Singleton
Media: Please submit high-resolution image requests to images@asla.org.

Master Plan Framework Map and Descriptions

The Master Plan is a multi-faceted project that leverages the primary need to improve water quality, to create a dynamic composition of nature, culture, and education. Thoughtful design leads to water infrastructure that also provides expanded habitat and recreational amenities.

Photo Credit: John Singleton
Media: Please submit high-resolution image requests to images@asla.org.

Rendering of Hydrologic Connectivity and Open Space

Currently the project’s two largest lakes are separated by a small water control structure. A new signature 200’ long bridge will hydrologically connect these lakes and provide an opportunity for year round collegiate rowing activities and other public uses.

Photo Credit: John Singleton
Media: Please submit high-resolution image requests to images@asla.org.

A wetland park is situated on the west side of University Lake to expand essential aquatic habitat and function. The park will include a nature center with educational opportunities for local citizens, visitors to the area, and university researchers.

Photo Credit: John Singleton
Media: Please submit high-resolution image requests to images@asla.org.

Striking botanical displays are strategically placed for maximum impact. Honoring the southern garden tradition, these zones serve as strategic project gateways to the Lakes and University while also offering respite for lakeside trail users.

Photo Credit: John Singleton
Media: Please submit high-resolution image requests to images@asla.org.

The project’s northern lake is bisected by an unsightly and relatively loud section of Interstate 10. Working with maintenance and access needs, a baffle system is designed to mitigate noise and also serve as bat habitat.

Photo Credit: John Singleton
Media: Please submit high-resolution image requests to images@asla.org.

Significant pedestrian and vehicular conflicts occur along all edges of the lakes. A lakeside trail located on new shoreline fill will create a hierarchy of circulation to reduce conflicts, engage users with the lakes, and expand nature based recreation.

Photo Credit: John Singleton
Media: Please submit high-resolution image requests to images@asla.org.

A thorough understanding of the site was achieved though analysis of various site systems, historic research, and multiple meetings with an advisory committee and stakeholders. In addition to obvious water quality issues, implied ownership of adjacent land uses proved to be particularly challenging.

Photo Credit: John Singleton
Media: Please submit high-resolution image requests to images@asla.org.

From their inception, the Lakes have suffered from flawed ecological underpinnings. Their conversion from Cypress Swamp to amenity lake resulted in remnant underwater obstacles, leaking infrastructure, the introduction of point source pollutants, and insufficient depth leading to exponential ecological decay.

Photo Credit: John Singleton
Media: Please submit high-resolution image requests to images@asla.org.

Excavation costs necessitate a plan that balances cut and fill on-site. Lake deepening is offset by the expansion of failing slopes, relocation of shallow areas to water polishing zones, and the creation of public park space along the University.

Photo Credit: John Singleton
Media: Please submit high-resolution image requests to images@asla.org.

The inclusion of a series of landscape typologies based on hydric zones and local ecosystems creates a diverse matrix of flora and fauna. Biologic function is prioritized with a majority of the site being naturalized and minimal manicured areas.

Photo Credit: John Singleton
Media: Please submit high-resolution image requests to images@asla.org.

Given the lakes status as a city icon, five public workshops were successfully conducted to uniquely engage current and future users. Each was designed to allow hands-on interaction with the community and each session significantly exceeded projected attendance.

Photo Credit: John Singleton
Media: Please submit high-resolution image requests to images@asla.org.

PROJECT NARRATIVE

The Baton Rouge Lakes: “Restoring a Louisiana Landmark from Ecological Collapse to Cultural Sanctuary.”

Baton Rouge and Louisiana are uniquely tied to the relationship between man and water. Water’s ability to impact people and people’s ability to influence water are inseparable. Currently this relationship is being tested as one of Baton Rouge’s iconic water systems struggles with its identity.

The Baton Rouge Lakes project recognizes opportunity in crisis. As a centerpiece of Louisiana’s capital city, sound ecological restoration methods will heal a dying lake system while also reconnecting a city to its ecological and cultural heritage. No longer the epicenter of “cancer alley”, the Baton Rouge Lakes project has the potential to elevate the city’s identity to one based on sound best management practices where man and water exist in equilibrium.

Context
The 275 acre Baton Rouges Lakes system is a series of six lakes in central Baton Rouge. Adjacent to Louisiana State University, three major parks, and a demographically diverse mix of neighborhoods, the Lakes historically functioned as a cypress swamp and not the vast open water body seen today. In 1929, the first lake was constructed when the bayou running through the site was cleared of forest and then dammed. Other lakes followed shortly thereafter. Soon roads appeared along the edges, residential homes were built with ideal views, and an informal system of recreational amenities were constructed.

Challenges
Shortly after its conversion, fish kills and algal blooms frequented the water surface giving evidence to failed ecological underpinnings. Poor water quality resulting from inadequate water depth, ongoing sedimentation, elevated temperatures, dissolved oxygen levels, and nutrient loading occurred immediately and remain to this day. A negative feedback loop further exacerbates the situation as the lakes continue to get shallower and the problems accelerate exponentially.

Serving as a major recreation site for the city, the draw to the water has been strong but few uses have been designed or are programmed. Steep lake edges force fragmented pedestrian circulation routes next to or within vehicular corridors, connections to neighborhoods are weak or dangerous, and water access points are limited. The adjacent internationally renowned university has little to no formalized presence on the Lakes, even though they are majority owner.

As an iconic site within the city, parish, and state, implied ownership issues present obstacles to rehabilitation as well. While adjacent residents are not technically primary owners, they have a vested interest in the future of the lakes, the restoration process, and the potential impacts on their daily lives. When differing recreational and landscape visions are considered, design solutions cannot avoid conflict.

Objectives

Create and regenerate thriving aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem that are self-supporting, result in high water quality, establish strong wildlife habit/lifecycles and provide reasonable public access
Express the unique identity associated with adjacent neighborhoods, city, region, and state through varied mediums, scale, and time
Create a safe environment where residents and visitors are motivated and encouraged to discover the world around them
Promote meaningful physical and emotional connectivity to the lakes within and beyond the City of Baton Rouge

Analysis
A cultural and historic investigation provides insights into original regional ecology, lake conversion planning, construction obstacles, and the cultural meaning of the Lakes. Working with the client, LSU, and local historians, a timeline of events clearly demonstrates ongoing ecological and social challenges at the lakes.

An analysis of existing conditions utilizes the project’s bathymetric survey, geotechnical report, tree survey and assessment, lake edge stability analysis, and traffic engineering studies. Historic water quality measurements show nutrient levels and point source pollutant loading from over 100 lakeside outfalls. LSU academic staff members also provided key input on water quality issues, previous ecological restoration failures, and birding habitat and health on the lakes. Adjacent master plans for LSU and the Baton Rouge Park’s Department are considered as well.

A five part public engagement process, stakeholder meetings, and advisory committee assessments also yielded valuable insights and provided momentum for the project. Public workshops included idea brainstorming, group workshopping, framework establishment, site visits with lakeside homeowners, and presentations of the draft and final Master Plans. Workshops typically exceeded 400 engaged citizens.

Master Plan
The Master Plan is based on several system frameworks that inform site specific design. Systems include excavation and spoil relocation, water quality improvements, landscape typologies, wildlife matrix, vehicular and pedestrian circulation, site programming, architectural features, lighting, and wayfinding.

These systems layer together to create the following design recommendations:

Balance 600,000 cubic yards of lake excavation. Using a series of phased coffer dams, the lakes will be excavated to a typical pool depth of 6 feet with pockets as deep as 8-10 feet. The excavated material will be used to create wetland benches along the edges, repair failing slopes, and to create and expand lakeside park spaces.
Create a living edge of wetland and meadow around the lake that will act as a biofiltration mechanism while also providing habitat.
Treat first flush flows from the headwaters of Bayou Duplantier by redirecting them through a wetland polishing garden.
Design each major lake outfall to have a polishing pool/sedimentation basin to aid in removal of first flush pollutants entering the lake.
Create a diversity of habitats and experiences by restoring six native landscapes typologies that relate hydric edge conditions.
Enhance the LSU experience by creating a northern university gateway, student lakeside promenade, and boathouse. The boathouse and the introduction of an iconic bridge will accommodate university sponsored crew events.
Expand the existing bird sanctuary site by 40% and add a publicly accessible nature center adjacent to LSU.
Create a hierarchy of circulation. Five miles of multi-use pedestrian trails will be constructed on lakeside fill while designated bike lanes will occur at street level. Converting roads on the east side of the lake to one way provide safe pedestrian buffer distances along the lake edge.
Add designated water access areas. Include a public boathouse to the north, boardwalks, overlooks, and designated fishing zones.
Provide access to all neighborhoods through the use of safe crossings and designated trails.
Design architectural features that reflect south Louisiana culture and consider the project’s commitment to nature.

Next Steps
With an eye toward implementing the Master Plan, cost estimates, phasing strategies, and governance structures have been explored. The first phase of work identified in the Master Plan corrects water quality issuess. Phase two provides safe pedestrian, bike and vehicular connectivity. Phase three includes ten projects that create recreational opportunities for a broad cross section of users. To guide the project toward implementation, a nonprofit Lakes Conservancy has been created. Funding from the state has been secured and other funding sources are being explored. Currently available funds will significantly contribute the completion of design and construction for the first phase of the project.

Conclusion
The Baton Rouge Lakes Master Plan seeks to create a robust and scenic natural amenity in the heart of Baton Rouge. Using nature as a catalyst for healthy lifestyles while providing habitat infrastructure for migratory birds and aquatic wildlifem, the project will serve as a touch point for visitors from across the Parish and throughout the country to experience Louisiana in a new way.