UPDATE July 17: Westminster’s contracted lake management firm completed a study, which indicated that the fish kill was likely caused by low levels of dissolved oxygen.

On Thursday, June 20, the city discovered that fish in City Park Lake were dying. Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department staff realized the issue during their morning maintenance duties.

“There were approximately 2,000 fish in the lake, including Grass Carp, Channel Catfish, Blue Gill and Largemouth Bass fish,” said Parks Manager Lance Johnson.

The lake is managed by a contractor who has taken water and fish samples and is investigating the cause of the fish die-off. The city should have the results the first week of July.

“We believe at this point we have lost the majority of the fish in the lake,” said Communication and Outreach Manager Jodie Carroll.

There is no known public health or safety concern to humans or other wildlife, and the park and trails around the lake are open to the public. People are not permitted in the lake per normal park rules. The lake is currently closed to fishing.

The lake is approximately 300,000 square foot and is located west of City Park Recreation Center at 104th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard.

Because of this event, the Fourth of July Fishing Derby has been canceled for 2019. Rather than relocating the event on short notice, fishing enthusiasts are encouraged to attend the Fishing Frenzy program on Saturday, Aug. 3, at Kensington Park/Ketner Reservoir.

This story will be updated as the city receives new information.