EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso County officials say no decision has been made about the future of the duck pond at Ascarate Park, and they are scheduling additional public meetings after residents raised concerns about early design concepts that included an option to eliminate the pond.
In response, the El Paso County Commissioners Court has paused any decision on the pond and will hold at least three more community meetings to gather input.
Nothing has been decided,” said Betsy Keller, El Paso County chief administrator. “We understand why people care deeply about the duck pond, and Commissioners Court wants the community to know there is still plenty of time to influence what happens next. We are listening, and we encourage everyone to share their ideas before any decisions are made.
The county has been hosting community meetings since July 8 to present conceptual ideas, answer questions and collect feedback.
Three meetings have already been held, with three more scheduled. The next meeting is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, at the Ascarate Park Pavilion, 6900 Delta.
The additional outreach comes after residents objected to an initial design proposed by the design team that included an option to remove the pond in exchange for other improvements.
The proposed changes are part of a broader, multimillion-dollar improvement project for Ascarate Park.
RELATED: Residents weigh in on future of Ascarate Park duck pond
County officials said the park plans are being funded through the 2024 voter-approved Capital Improvement Bond and other capital funds allocated to lake improvements. As planning continues, engineering and environmental assessments have identified challenges affecting the duck pond, including water quality, algae growth, water loss and long-term maintenance needs, which will be part of the ongoing public discussion.
Residents can share feedback at the remaining public meetings, during future Commissioners Court meetings, or by contacting the commissioner representing their precinct through the El Paso County Commissioners Court webpage.
Upcoming community meetings are scheduled for:
Wednesday, July 22, at 6 p.m., Ascarate Park PavilionWednesday, July 29, at 6 p.m., Ascarate Park PavilionThursday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m., Ascarate Park Pavilion (special Commissioners Court meeting)
The next regular meeting of the El Paso County Commissioners Court is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 27, in the Judge Alicia R. Chacon Commissioners Courtroom at the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse, 500 E. San Antonio Ave., El Paso, Texas.
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