Lake Aesthetic and User Recreation Index
for Loring Pond
Loring Pond is in a small park on the edge of downtown Minneapolis. The park is connected to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Walker Art Center, and Parade Stadium by the blue Whitney Bridge that spans the freeway. Known for its Berger Fountain, Garden of the Seasons, and Community Arts Center, it is popular with people who live and work downtown and want a relaxing oasis of beauty.
Loring has few aquatic plants, excellent aesthetics and good water clarity. However, bacteria levels tend to be high due most likely to the large quantities of geese, ducks and gulls populating the pond.
The Lake Aesthetic and User Recreation Index (LAURI) was developed by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to give the public information about the recreational suitability of Minneapolis lakes In 2009 the LAURI was changed to give a more accurate, and science based indicator for the public.
The revised LAURI has five indices:
The LAURI was developed to provide recreational users with an additional source of information about the status of MPRB lakes. Aesthetics can be difficult to evaluate since they are dependent on one’s own experience and preferences. But LAURI provides lake users with an easily understandable recreational suitability indicator for MPRB lakes that incorporates aesthetics and the health of the lake. Data is collected during the growing season (May to September).
