The Brief
- A major renovation project at Freestone Park in Gilbert has led to unintended consequences, including residents reporting dead wildlife and foul odors.
- Dozens of ducks and turtles have been rescued from the drained lakes as officials test the water for suspected botulism.
- Gilbert parks officials said a plan was in place to relocate some animals, but residents raised concerns that ducks unable to fly would be left without a place to go.
PHOENIX – A major renovation project at Gilbert’s Freestone Park is raising concerns among residents after residents say they have found sick and dead wildlife were found as the park’s lakes are drained for repairs.
“It smells, it’s so bad. There’s so many mosquitos right now,” Gilbert resident Lisa Fuller said.
“The turkey vultures have been coming because of the dead ducks,” resident Fonda Christopher said.…