EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The future of the duck pond at Ascarate Park is drawing growing debate as El Paso County moves forward with early plans for a major renovation of the 86-year-old park.
County leaders are asking for more public input after early design concepts included an option to remove the duck pond as part of a larger, multi-million-dollar project to renovate and modernize the park. The possibility quickly drew pushback from some visitors who say the pond is part of what makes Ascarate Park special.
“Why are you gonna get rid of one of them? Let’s fix both of them up. That’s our minimum oasis in El Paso County. Let’s upgrade it and take care of it,” said Hector Ayala, identified as a duck pond fisherman.
Another park visitor said removing the pond would be disappointing.
“I wouldn’t feel good about it, and it’s pretty disappointing…I’m not against reconstruction or new construction, but at least leave the two bodies of water that would currently have an El Paso,” the visitor said.
El Paso County project manager Lidia Arias said the improvements are being paid for through the 2024 voter-approved capital improvement bond, along with other capital funds dedicated to the park. Arias said planned upgrades include electrical improvements throughout the park, upgrades to picnic shelters, and trail renovations in the festival area that hosts larger events.
Julia Spencer reports on duck pond info sessions
The duck pond and Ascarate Lake face similar challenges, including algae, water quality and maintenance costs, though the lake is larger and needs more attention.
Not everyone believes the duck pond should stay. One person said, “The Duck Pond, you know, I think that there’s probably a better use of funds than trying to rehab the Duck Pond because unfortunately it just would require a lot of the bond of money to get it to where it needs to be.”
County leaders have said keeping both the lake and the duck pond would require more infrastructure, adding to the project’s cost. Arias said that if the smaller body of water is kept, it would require additional work and expense. She said the county is considering a larger investment in the larger lake, which she described as being over 40 acres, with the goal of making it “the best lake that it can be.”
Two more meetings will be held for county leaders to gather public input. On Aug. 6, county commissioners are expected to attend to speak directly with residents, and there is a possibility commissioners could make a decision during that meeting.