Scottsdale Pond is a 10-acre pond located in the City of Novato that is a flood control and recreational park facility. It is a non-contact water area that is used by birds and enjoyed by the public. The purpose of this improvement was to improve water quality to the pond, construct an island, improve the aesthetics around the perimeter of the pond, and improve public access. Noble Consultants was the prime consultant responsible for the surveying, investigations, planning, permitting, design and preparation of contract documents for the project. Design services involved civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, and landscape architecture. Project components included excavation of the pond; construction of an island; installation of aerators; contour of upland area to provide scenic berms; provide ADA access; planting around the pond and on the island; improve aesthetics of existing hardscape features; and provide mitigation for reduction of flood storage capacity.

Three alternatives were developed during the planning phase that varied the size and shape of the island, the quantity of material to be excavated from the pond and landside improvements. Variations in the size and shape of the island were proposed to alter the potential impacts on flood flows around the island and to alter the variety of plants that could be used. Also, the island layout and pond bank excavation were designed to minimize the chance for invasive plants to grow.