suggestions needed

[mud]

hey guys i need some seriouce ideas on what to do next the pond is almost dug now i have a 2 year old son and i need to raise the sides of the pond about 2 feet above ground and still be able to secure the pond liner my hubby said to just do a rock wall with cement but im concerned that there will be to much outward pressure on the wall i was thinking of putting a wall of plywood down to the plant shelf secured with rebar then the rock wall around the out side ( trying to keep it natural) with a 1 inch gap between the wood and rock. then place the liner between the two and fill with cement. think that will work or do you have any other sugestions im open to any and all thoughts

[Rbishop]

I would build up the outside height with the excavated dirt. Put your rocks on the outside of that.

[hankn]

If you are worried about your 2 year old climbing in and perhaps drowning, I would suggest against a 2' foot wall around the pond.

See:
Toddlers drown in northwestern Pa. pond as baby sitter sleeps, June 1, 2007
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/103-06012007-1355565.html


Any 2-3 year old can easily climb a 2' wall, or for that matter - a 3' wall. Once they get inside and fall in, and assuming the depth of your pond is 1-2', they will be presented with a difficult climb out of 3-4' of slippery mud and rocks.

Based on your picture, I would suggest using fencing and gates. It looks like you will have a narrow walkway on 2 sides near your neighboring walls. Close off that area with an attractive wooden gate on both ends and a strong child-proof hinge.

On the front part (2 sides), add 3' of attractive fencing. See this site for examples:
http://www.gardentimeonline.com/FencesAndGates.html

Good luck!

[Rbishop]

I thought she just wanted an idea to get some depth. But hankn is right if you have a toddler. Put a fence around it or forego the pond for now.

[mud]

welll i was just going more for a strength idea for the side, the gate idea is good and the one side of the fence that is already raised is going to be a waterfall droping into a creek flowing to the other end then droping into the pond. we are having a cover made for the pond for when we are not out in the yard. a place out here that specializes in koi ponds makes a cover that is light weight but strong enough to walk on and stills allows lost of light and air flow.