The Frog Pond at City Park was created last spring. It has grown in popularity over the summer. The pond is located just off the Nature Trail in the east end of the park. The Nature Trail makes a half-mile loop off the outer road.

Last Wednesday, a new sign was erected at the pond. The sign was donated by the Rock Island Bloomers who came up with the idea of a Frog Pond. The sign will allow a little educational time to be slipped into the frog experience.

Pictures on the sign will help identify the three common frog species found in Missouri. It lists traits and characteristics of each species‑ the bullfrog, the  northern leopard frog and the spring peeper.

It is hoped that eventually the little pond will be full of many of the three varieties.

Another educational experience might be finding the error contained in the text of the sign. Unfortunately, the error was not discovered until after the sign had been delivered.

The Frog Pond began as a simple idea. Dig a hole, let it fill with water and add some frogs.

The public’s very positive response led to more amenities being added. Moss and a nice planting of grass now cover the banks. A green metal bench now sits under a shade tree while a matching picnic table with its own benches sits nearby. Tree stumps sit by the water’s edge for closer viewing of the frogs. All of it blends nicely into the natural landscape. It provides a nice quiet place for families to enjoy some time in nature.

What was once just a simple idea has really taken off. It may well be true that Gerald has the only Frog Pond in the area.