As San Diego city leaders celebrated the completion of repairs to the historic Balboa Park lily pond, they warned those who took part in last summer’s water fight that they’re still building a case.
“Anyone who participated in this should know that they are not out of the woods yet,” said San Diego City Council President Todd Gloria, District 3.
Watch Gloria's comments
Gloria said the city’s investigation is ongoing into who caused the roughly $12,000 in damage to the historic pond in front of the San Diego Botanical Garden.
An estimated 1500 to 2000 people took part in a midnight water fight on August 11.
Some of the pond’s pipes were cracked, plants were damaged and the water level dropped to just two inches.
At first, water crews feared for the safety of the koi and turtles living in the pond. However, it was so discovered none was harmed.
San Diego residents donated $60,000 to help with repairs and that allowed the city to do an extensive renovation.
As of Monday, workers replaced the cracked cement that surrounded the pond and added new planter boxes.
There are other less visible changes like new and more durable pipes.
City officials say the investigation to find those involved in the lily pond water fight is still very much alive. Watch Mayor Filner's remarks at celebration
“I am hopeful that someone will be held directly responsible,” Gloria told NBC 7 San Diego.
As for the koi, they were relocated but will be reintroduced to the pond soon.
City officials asked the residents not donate koi or other fish to the pond. If you want to help, the Friends of Balboa Park organization offers a variety of volunteer options.