The manatees are already gathering in big numbers in the canal next to Desoto Park in Satellite Beach in water kept constantly warm just for them as part of the park’s environmental permitting requirements. Desoto Park’s 1.54-acre stormwater pond completed in 2018 completes the stormwater treatment train in the 293-acre Desoto Drainage Basin by allowing 10 days for the water to settle out harmful contaminants such as nitrogen and phosphorus before being released into the Indian River Lagoon.
Perhaps best known for its 1,813 feet of walking trail, multigenerational exercise equipment and educational kiosks, Desoto Park actually is considered the best and one of the only consistent manatee viewing sites in Satellite Beach with public access and parking.
The canal, which is about to be fitted with an floating ADA kayak launch for persons in wheelchairs, also represents the city’s only official water access point to the Indian River Lagoon and the city-owned Samsons Island Park by kayak or canoe.
The original plans for groundwater (also called stormwater) was to have it piped directly into the pond for additional settling before being released into the manatee canal. However, by doing so, the canal water would have become much colder, in effect dramatically impacting the warm-water habitat the manatees have used for decades.
In response, the city altered the plans by having engineers design a series of baffles in the groundwater ditch running along Desoto Parkway, bypassing the pond during cold weather and keeping the water warm for the seasonal throng of sea cows.
This year the weather was relatively warm until mid-November, but the Public Works Department already had configured the baffles by Nov. 1, said Public Works Director Allen Potter. The baffles will be changed back in spring at which time the new ADA dock will be installed next to the existing dock and traditional canoe/kayak ramp. The dock will be designed to be moved out of the way in the tight canal during manatee season when kayaking and canoeing is not allowed.
“We knew it was going to turn a little colder sooner or later so we went ahead and made the change. I’m surprised we have so many of them so soon but somehow they all know this is the place to go,’’ he said.
Satellite Beach Environmental Programs coordinator remembered the lengthy discussions with the state as the project faced environmental permitting delays until cold-water problem was resolved.
“There was a lot of conversation with the regulatory agencies that we were not to do anything that would harm the manatees because we all know that’s where they go during cold weather,’’ he said.
The nearly-built out city with little room for needed stormwater structures strives for multi-functional use for its projects. Desoto Park is a good example as a triple threat of being a stormwater treatment pond, a well-used recreation trail and providing parking an access to water recreation and manatee viewing in cold weather.
“We’re trying to make sure everybody has access and we’re getting the best possible use out of the property,’’ Sanzone said.