PHIL ATTINGER/STAFF

Joe DeCerbo, on right, district manager of Spring Lake Improvement District, talks to Highlands County Development Services Director Benjamin Dunn about final plans for the district's EcoPark at its stormwater treatment area. The park has pavilions and a 1.3-mile multi-use path. It will soon have restrooms, parking, landscaping and an information kiosk.

PHIL ATTINGER/STAFF

A Spring Lake Improvement District track hoe sits parked alongside the district's EcoPark 1.3-mile multi-use path. Storm runoff was eroding the banks above and below the path. In response, district crews are placing a berm along the ridges above and beside the path, to hold runoff from racing over the sides.

PHIL ATTINGER/STAFF

Palivillions, as seen from the east side of the Spring Lake EcoPark, will host a grand opening in early fall, after restrooms get built beside them. District Manager Joe DeCerbo said he already has people out using the multi-use path, on both bicycles and walkers, and has been contacted about using the path as part of a 5K run.

PHIL ATTINGER/STAFF

A canal meanders south from the Spring Lake Stormwater Treatment Area, toward a pump station that then sends water to Arbuckle Creek. Water only flows from the treatment area once it reaches a certain level, said District Manager Joe DeCerbo. Otherwise, it percolates back into the soil, recharging groundwater levels and removing pollutants.