The West Ridge Nature Area is a 21-acre woodland, wetland, and lagoon habitat situated in urban Chicago near the historic Rosehill Cemetery. Formerly part of Rosehill, this northwest corner, where the park now stands, was never used for burials but remained undeveloped, serving as a dumping ground for excess dirt and debris. After acquiring the land in 2011, the Chicago Park District collaborated with Hitchcock Design Group to transform this neglected space into a sanctuary of life and renewal. They removed invasive species and planted over 500 native trees and shrubs. Today, the park invites visitors to reconnect with nature through its multi-use trails, scenic pond, peaceful boardwalks, nature play spaces, overlooks, and fishing spots.
The Problem: Consistent and Cost-Effective Pond Aeration
Aeration is a vital tool for maintaining water quality in ponds and lagoons; however, its widespread and consistent use is often limited by both access to electricity and ongoing power costs. The 4.5-acre pond at West Ridge required a reliable solution to maintain its aquatic ecosystem.
The Goal
The Solution: PondHawk® Solar-Powered Aeration
The Chicago Park District, in partnership with Stantec (Formerly Cardno) and the Fence Store, selected PondHawk® by LINNE Industries™ to be the direct solar aeration system for the West Ridge Nature Park pond. The project was supported by a CPD Capital Grant, the City of Chicago through Alderman Patrick O’Connor, community members, and some local businesses.
The PondHawk system is designed to operate anywhere but is uniquely perfect for remote ponds with no access to grid power, running only during daylight hours based on available sunlight and requiring no batteries. The aeration output circulates water, eliminates algal blooms, reduces odors, and prevents fish kills in winter by maintaining an open area in the ice.
In 2019, three PondHawk Dual Diffuser Systems with 900 feet of weighted airline were installed in the 4.5-acre lagoon. Post-installation, PondHawk, President & CEO, Sandra Burton, also visited in September 2019 to certify the installation met warranty requirements.
Do you know who is buried at Rosehill Cemetery?
The Results: Long-Term Performance and Sustainability
Six years after the initial installation, the PondHawk systems have proven their long-term effectiveness in delivering year-round circulation and dissolved oxygen.
In September 2025, the first service since installation was performed.
The service results showed:
Continuous Operation
All three systems were still operational after six years of continuous use.
Maintenance Required
While operational, the airflow had diminished over time. Service was required to regain the original CFM airflow, including servicing the pumps, cleaning the solar panels to remove graffiti, and adjusting the valve to the diffusers.
Projected Longevity
Following the maintenance, the PondHawk systems were certified to be fully operational and are projected to be good for another 5–6 years, demonstrating a sustainable and cost-effective solution for long-term water quality management.