Fidler Pond
HUC: 0405000119 (What is a Hydrologic Unit Code HUC?)
Area: 103-acre park, 83-acre pond
Located in the Elkhart River Watershed, Fidler Pond is a unique public park and water feature that reflects the City of Goshen’s commitment to conservation, recreation, and community revitalization. What is now a peaceful destination for outdoor enjoyment was once an active sand and gravel quarry, operated by the Fidler family for decades. After mining operations ended, the City of Goshen acquired the property and began transforming the former industrial site into a public park, opening Fidler Pond as a recreational space for residents and visitors alike.
The pond itself was formed naturally as the quarry filled with groundwater, resulting in a deep, clear, spring-fed body of water. Because of its quarry origins, Fidler Pond has steep banks and significant depth, which contributes to cooler water temperatures and good water clarity. The pond is not a flowing river or stream but a groundwater-fed system, meaning its water levels and quality are closely tied to local aquifers and surrounding land use. This makes the area an important example of how former industrial sites can be reclaimed and managed as valuable water resources.
Today, Fidler Pond supports a variety of recreational uses, including non-motorized boating, catch-and-release fishing, and shoreline enjoyment. A multi-use trail loops around the water, offering scenic views and opportunities to observe aquatic plants, birds, and other wildlife that now call the area home. The surrounding green space helps filter runoff, protect water quality, and provide habitat, while also offering a quiet place for walking, gathering, and community events.
A recent and beloved addition to the landscape is the Fidler Pond Garden, a graceful garden space along the water’s edge that opened in spring 2025. This garden was envisioned and gifted to the community by Lois Fidler, whose passion for natural beauty and connection with the landscape guided every detail of the project.
Lois worked closely with designers to select a diverse palette of plants chosen to bloom from spring through fall, ensuring the garden offers color and interest throughout the growing season. Native and seasonal plantings such as hydrangeas, coneflowers, prairie grasses, daisies, and butterfly-attracting species were chosen to support pollinators and create a dynamic visual experience that changes with the seasons.
The garden was designed as a peaceful place where visitors can slow down, reflect, and feel connected to both nature and one another. It sits beside the pond where trees frame the water and the sky mirrors the landscape, creating a contemplative and serene environment. Although Lois passed away before seeing the completed garden, her vision lives on through this beautiful space that continues to draw visitors and enrich the park experience.
What’s going on at Fidler Pond?
Get involved in efforts to protect Fidler Pond by learning more and having fun.
Goshen Parks & Recreation
The City of Goshen is a thriving community with a strong economy and quality of life that makes it attractive to businesses…
How’s the water?
There are many ways that water quality can be tracked. Check out these helpful websites to look at data relating to water quality.
Watershed Partners
