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Bonita's water treatment capacity quadrupled with the completion of an upflow water clarifier 30 years ago this week.

Ben Nelson Sr., president of the member-owned utility, opened the valve that allowed water from the new treatment facility to enter the main line feeding the customers' homes. The ceremonial turning on of the 30-inch line was the result of more than two years of planning and construction by the Bonita Springs Water System.

Construction began in April 1974 when D.J. Holden Construction Co. was awarded the contract on a low bid of $100,095. The project was originally supposed to be finished in May of 1975, but delays in deliveries of materials and equipment, a shortage of employees and adverse weather conditions stalled its completion.

In addition to the new clarifier, BSWS improvements included a new recarbination tank, new monitoring and measuring instruments, and expanded areas for water testing and system repairs.

The third phase of water plant expansion was already on the drawing boards, with construction expected to begin later that year. This phase included a 2 million gallon holding tank for treated water, a lime slaker and storage silo, and additional wells.

In other news, a ground-breaking ceremony was set for the new county park on West Terry Street. Lee County commissioners, County Administrator Lavon Wisher and local parks advisory committee Frank Crane were expected to take part. The local Bicentennial Committee was active in the project, raising funds to purchase landscaping, picnic tables, barbecue pits and a gazebo.

The Bonita Springs Board of Realtors marked its 10th anniversary that week. Members planned a celebratory dinner at the Buccaneer Inn in Naples. Organizing the event were five of the original charter members: W.A. "Bill" Armstrong, Beverly Glazier, Marion Guilder, Henry Minster and Paul Schmidt.

"Many changes have taken place during the past 10 years in Bonita Springs, but it's still Bonita and we think it is, and always will be, the greatest community along the west coast of Florida," said board President Arnold Glazier.

At the Trail Drive-In, Ann-Margret and Elton John were starring in "Tommy," Katherine Ross had top billing in "Stepford Wives," and Gene Hackman was featured in "Bite the Bullet."

Contact Editor Cathy Cottrill at 213-6031 or cccottrill@bonitanews.com.