The Malcolm Wallop Park Pond Project consists of a proposed pond located within the City of Sheridan's (City) Wallop Park, which is located on the north end of the City, adjacent to Goose Creek. The pond will be located within the historic floodplain of Goose Creek in a flat upland area. The City intends to utilize this pond for fishing, wildlife viewing, and general recreation for the citizens of the community. Its close proximity to the City's extensive pedestrian pathway system and the North Main Interchange provides easy access for recreational activities. The City proposes to construct future piers at the pond to provide visitors with the opportunity to enjoy overlooking the pond. All piers will be constructed to be handicap accessible from parking lot to piers.
Primary functions of the proposed pond will include fisheries, creation of wetlands, migratory bird use, big game use to include elk, mule deer and white-tail deer, and habitat for small and medium mammals and invertebrate species, particularly those dependent on wetlands. The City has been coordinating design features with the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, Sheridan office fisheries biologists to maximize fish propagation and enhance local fishing opportunities. The City's aggressive weed and pest management plan will be expanded to the Wallop Park Pond to further control invasive/noxious plants as well as control mosquito populations, once the pond is constructed. The final design of the Wallop Park Pond will incorporate features to not only enhance public use, but also enhance the habitat for all wildlife in the area. Wallop Pond is envisioned to ensure the preservation of Wyoming's wildlife while providing enhanced opportunities for public use recreation.
The Wallop Pond Project started in 2017 when the City applied for and received a Wyoming Wildlife & Natural Resource Trust grant in the amount of $100,000. In addition, the City has been approved for a Land & Water Conservation grant in the amount of $200,000 and a Wyoming Game & Fish grant in the amount of $40,000. WWC Consulting has been contracted to design the pond and all permitting requirements. The total cost of construction is estimated to be $700,000. Between Once Cent Optional and Public Benefit Funds, the project has $188,000. The FY 2022 budget is proposed to allocated $200,000 in additional Public Benefit funds to complete the project. The project is anticipated to begin construction in October of 2021.