Ascarate Park's duck pond decision on hold as commissioners call for more outreach - Texas News Beep

EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — The future of the duck pond at Ascarate Park remains undecided after El Paso County Commissioners reviewed proposed park improvements Thursday and called for additional community outreach before any decisions are made.

The discussion came during a presentation from the El Paso County Public Works Department and project consultant EXIGO on planned improvements to Ascarate Park, which are part of a voter-approved bond program.

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

As part of the planning process, consultants also 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 during the meeting would remove the duck pond and replace it with new amenities and habitat improvements.

Supporters of the proposal argue that the change could improve water conditions and create opportunities to enhance fishing in the larger lake.

“The duck pond has grown to algae due to the fact that it is shallow, and the amount of sunlight we get,” one park visitor told KFOX14.

Others, however, oppose removing the pond, saying it serves as an important recreational space and holds generations of memories for local families.

“It has been a staple for people in El Paso for so many years. I grew up as a kid fishing in the duck pond,” another visitor said.

Several concerns were raised during the commissioners’ meeting about losing one of the area’s few accessible fishing locations.

Community members and fishing advocates also noted that water resources are limited in the region and questioned whether alternatives to removal could be explored.

County officials emphasized that no decision has been made.

Commissioner David Stout requested an additional public meeting focused on gathering feedback from anglers, community groups and other stakeholders before moving forward.

“I’d like to ask if we can have another public meeting similar to this one on a Monday, where we have time to do outreach … hear directly from them and keep them involved,” Stout said during the meeting.

Officials said they are exploring ways to work with community groups to find common ground and better understand how the duck pond is currently being used.

Potential alternatives discussed include improvements that would increase water circulation and reduce stagnant conditions.

County leaders also 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.

For now, commissioners have taken no action on the proposal.

The issue could return to the Commissioners Court for further discussion as early as August after additional public outreach is conducted.

Ascarate Park’s duck pond decision on hold as commissioners call for more outreach

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