The Capitol Lakes are one of the more prominent cultural and historical assets downtown; they are a place where people enjoy walking/biking, taking family photographs, and viewing the wildlife. Unfortunately, the Capitol lakes have been heavily polluted over time, preventing people from fishing and other water related activities.

In the fall of 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officially added the Capitol lakes to its Superfund National Priorities List, prioritizing funding for clean-up. DDD Intern and recent LSU Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture graduate Ethan Bergeron, took the opportunity to explore how the clean-up and other amenities can transform the Capitol Lakes as part of his fifth-year capstone project. Check out the full Downtown Breakdown blog and his presentation video below!