From the Commercial Appeal by Tom Charlier

January 24

It will inconvenience some trail users, but the dam repair work under way at Shelby Farms Park will enhance safety and allow for some long-term drainage improvements, park officials say.

Crews have begun removing trees and underbrush that sprouted from the earthen dam impounding Mayor Lake, one of several water bodies abutting the Chickasaw Trail northwest of the visitors center. In the spring, the dam will be seeded with turf grass to provide erosion control.

The trail now has a detour from its paved route on the south side of the lake to a gravel section around the north side. The detour should end with completion of the clearing work, which is expected within another two and a half weeks or so.

Inline skaters and people pushing strollers should use caution on the gravel section, park spokeswoman Jen Andrews said.

The clearing is needed because the root systems of trees and underbrush can weaken dams. The dam at Mayor Lake, however, remains structurally sound, said Robert Mayer, director of operations at the park.

Meg Lockhart, spokeswoman for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, said state dam-safety officials provided technical assistance to the park. Because the Mayor Lake structure is too small to be regulated, TDEC didn't require the clearing, she said.

But Mayer said park officials decided to proceed with the project because "it's the right thing to do."

The dam improvements also will allow for drainage work that will reroute the overflow from the lake. Currently, the overflow drains into the Wolf River, but park officials want it directed into Patriot Lake, which will be expanded to about double its current size under a master plan for Shelby Farms.

Call Jen Andrews, manager of communications for SFPC, with questions: (901) 767-PARKx308 or jandrews@shelbyfarmspark.org