Simley pond, originally called Lake Nelson, is a popular hang out spot among Simley High School students and Inver Grove Heights teens. However, many visitors are unaware of the history surrounding the small pond, including the drownings of 2 Simley students.
Simley Pond originally had no connecting bridge to the island, leaving this a popular swimming spot during the hot summer months. After practice or an early release from school, many students would swim from the edge to the island. Under Mayor Joe Atkins, a bridge was added to make the popular island more accessible.
Tragedy surrounding this pond struck Simley High School in July of 1966 when star athlete Timothy Boche drowned swimming to the island after football practice. It struck again in June of 2002, when freshman Alex Tourville drowned swimming on the last day of school. Water depth and temperature were thought to be the blame for both deaths.
Credits
Rachel Ernst and Abbie Tabor