EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso County is asking residents to weigh in on the future of Ascarate Park, with a series of public information sessions focused on proposed improvements and what comes next for the park’s duck pond.

The information sessions come after El Paso County Commissioners reviewed proposed park improvements last month and called for additional community outreach before any decisions are made regarding the duck pond.

During last month’s meeting, consultants evaluated the long-term condition of Ascarate Lake and the adjacent duck pond.

According to project designers, technical studies found concerns with water loss, potential leaks, water quality issues, and algae growth.

Officials said the duck pond, because of its shallow depth, is particularly susceptible to algae blooms and higher concentrations of contaminants and microorganisms.

One concept presented would remove the duck pond and replace it with new amenities and habitat improvements.

In community meetings, Exigo, the architectural team behind the project’s design, said they collected feedback with some people in favor of replacing the duck pond with something like a circuit track, while others said, mainly fishers, said they want to keep the pond as it is used as a fishing backup plan, while others said it has nostalgic value.

County officials said these new information sessions aim to provide updates on ongoing planning efforts, including projects proposed for funding through the 2024 Capital Improvement Bond.

The overall project includes upgrades to trails, lighting, parking areas, roadways, and other infrastructure throughout the park.

However, county leaders previously clarified that the duck pond is not currently included in the bond-funded improvement package.

Any future changes specific to the duck pond would require a separate funding source and additional approvals.

All sessions are scheduled at Ascarate Park, with most set for the park pavilion.

The dates, times, and locations are:

Wednesday, July 8 — 6 p.m. | Ascarate Park PavilionWednesday, July 15 — 6 p.m. | Ascarate Park PavilionSaturday, July 18 — 9 a.m. | Duck PondWednesday, July 22 — 6 p.m. | Ascarate Park PavilionWednesday, July 29 — 6 p.m. | Ascarate Park PavilionThursday, August 6 — 6 p.m. | Ascarate Park Pavilion (Special Commissioners Court Meeting)

County Commissioners said they will continue to discuss the subject before deciding in August.

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