Welcome to the forum. Getting to be lots of PBF'ers here in the middle of the country!

I think you made a wise decision to create a new pond rather than trying to refurbish the old. Plus you may be able to salvage the old pond later for a forage pond or "trash" pond where you have a place to put otherwise unwanted fish. A trash pond can make a wonderful kids pond where they catch a fish every time they throw the line in.

Good luck and you are in good pond company here on PBF.

John

I subscribe to Pond Boss Magazine