By Dennis Box-The Courier-Herald

Lake Bonney and Ken Simmons Park are about to get spruced up this summer.

Community Services Director Gary Leaf said Whitworth Pest Solutions from Puyallup will be spraying the lake for yellow flag irises, white water lilies and water shield.

Leaf said the Lake Bonney Conservation Association chose the company to clear the weeds from the lake. The work is scheduled to be completed in August.

“We thoroughly researched this company,” said Sherry Leistiko, a member of the Lake Bonney Conservation Association. “The people we talked to said they have done good work.”

Leistiko said it is important to control the noxious weeds on the lake because, “they take over everything and advance very quickly covering the surface. These are not native to the area and they are very hazardous to the native plants.”

The aquatic herbicide used to kill the weeds, Rodeo, is similar to Roundup, but is not toxic to fish according to Leaf.

Ken Simmons Park will also be getting some work this summer.

Leaf said the city will spend about $50,000 for installing play toys, planting trees and upgrading a drainage ditch. Wal-Mart donated $5,000 for the trees.

The city is hoping to accommodate both adults and children by putting in a swing for children, an adult bench swing and two merry-go-rounds.

Leaf said there will also be a spring toy and climbing boulder.

Dennis Box can be reached at dbox@courierherald.com