Residents Worst Fears About 'Swampy' Pond Have Come True
FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - The West Nile Virus is in north Fort Worth. Residents say one of the positive mosquito tests is a result of the city not following its own advice. CBS 11 News talked with people in Coventry Hills who have been worried for a while.
There are a number of residential homes near what looks like a swamp. The murky area is actually a pond that sits between two residential neighborhoods.
Now, some residents say their fears about what's lurking around there came true.
What's been an eyesore for years is now a health hazard for families like Pablo Coronado's.
"It's dangerous. We don't bring our kids here," he said. "We've used the term 'abandoned' because it [pond] has not been kept up."
Stagnant water, tall grass, weeds and whatever else is lurking in the pond has worried neighbors for years.
Mother Shanie Youngs was interrupted while trying to express her concerns. "Sorry. I just got bit," she said laughing. "I'm not sure if it was an ant or mosquito!"
Friday morning Youngs found out a mosquito at the pond tested positive for West Nile. That means infected insects are definitely near her home and a public playground.
"I have a 5-year-old son that doesn't get to come out and play because of mosquitoes and West Nile," she said.
The pond is supposed to be maintained by the City of Fort Worth, but after budget cuts officials decided to keep up with creeks and ponds every three years.
When asked by CBS 11 on Friday, officials couldn't say when the pond is due for a cleaning.
"You want to move into a neighborhood where your kids can play with their friends and other people move into the community for the same reason," Coronado said frustrated. "Today we are telling them [children] 'you need to stay inside.'"
Later in the day CBS 11 was told that city crews would be out this weekend putting larvicides in the pond, to help fight West Nile.
Homeowners also found flyers on their doors with tips from the city on ways to prevent West Nile.
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