Boulder Pond

Rancho Mission Viejo, CA

PACE designed the 3.5-acre Boulder Pond as part of the Rienda development at Rancho Mission Viejo. The Upper Pond (1.2 acres) and Lower Pond (2.3 acres) are connected by a striking 6-foot-tall cascading waterfall. To create a natural and cohesive shoreline, the design incorporates eroded concrete, natural cobblestone, boulder walls, and wetland planters. Altogether, the shoreline stretches 2,500 feet.

Emphasizing sustainability, Boulder Pond uses recycled water supplied by SMWD. Several key features help maintain water quality, including recirculation through 12 wetland planters to uptake nutrients, 12 aeration diffusers at the lake bottom, aluminum sulfate to control phosphorus levels, and lake dye to reduce algae photosynthesis.

The connecting waterfall spans 60 feet in width. Multi-tiered cascades flank the north and south ends of the waterfall, while the center features a 6-foot freefall drop. To keep water actively circulating and supply the waterfalls, five centrifugal pumps operate from an underground vault to draw water from the Lower Pond. One pump directs water back through the Lower Pond’s wetland planters, while the remaining four push water to the Upper Pond via the lake bottom, shoreline discharges, and wetland planters.

Key Features:

• 3.5-acre pond with two sections connected by a 60-foot-wide waterfall
• Continuous recirculation, aeration, and alum addition to maintain water quality
• Mixed shoreline materials for a natural, cohesive appearance
• Wetland planters provide natural filtration of nutrients