Echo Park Lake: Have You Seen the Lotus Leaves?

Echo Park's lotus plants are back in place, lurking just below the surface.

Planted a bit like oysters in long beds, they're waiting to pop.

And according to Julie Allen, who has been managing the Echo Park Lake rehab for the city's Department of Public Works, it could be any day now.

She told us at a media tour on Feb. 28  the leafs could surface "in a few weeks."

By our calculation, that's about now.  So keep an eye out and let us know if you see anything.

Allen said 387 dormant bulbs were planted about five inches below the waterline.

She added it's unlikely the plants will bloom this year. But it sure is nice to have them back.

No word yet on the official opening date of the park, tentatively set for May, but word could come Wednesday night at a community meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul at 840 Echo Park Avenue across from the lake.