In 2012, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) renovated the weir at Lake Nokomis to reduce the amount of maintenance needed and make it more cost effective. 

The MCWD constructed the weir – a dam-like structure that holds back water – in 2000 to keep polluted water from Minnehaha Creek out of Lake Nokomis. As the lake's only outlet, the weir can be adjusted to release water if lake levels get too high. It also helps prevent the transport of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species from the creek to the lake.

The original weir had an inflatable base which allowed for automated operation. When it was constructed, the District expected certain components of the weir to last for about a decade, which they did. Now components of the structure are in need of repair and replacement.

With components of the structure in need of repair and replacement, the MCWD changed the existing inflatable weir to an adjustable fixed weir that will provide the same level of protection for Lake Nokomis.

"Taking care of our city's natural resources is an important part of the work that both the Park Board and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District do," said District Five Park Commissioner Carol Kummer. "This project not only helps keep Lake Nokomis a great place to swim, fish, boat and spend time, but also helps keep the water quality healthy."

The new weir is the same elevation as the existing weir and will not affect flooding potential, according to MCWD Project Manager Renae Clark. "It also will require less maintenance, be easier to operate and improve the appearance of the area," she said.