Crews began major repairs for Balboa Park’s historic lily pond damaged five months ago in a massive water gun battle.
The first step was to remove all the marine life from the pond that sits in front of the Botanical Building in the heart of the city’s park. On Tuesday, workers were removing all the other material from the pond so it could be cleaned and inspected.
The pond’s plumbing will need to be repaired, along with cracks in the concrete, and the basin will need to be re-sealed.
The costly damage occurred August 12 when hundreds of people responded to a social media invitation for a midnight, flash mob-style water fight.
Participants jumped into the pond damaging the plumbing and destroying lily boxes and plants.
Since August, the community has come together to help "Friends Of Balboa Park" raise money to make permanent repairs.
Friends of Balboa Park said the community contributed more than $100,000 in cash, materials and labor to restore the iconic pond.