EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 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\u2019s duck pond.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
During last month’s meeting, consultants evaluated the long-term condition of Ascarate Lake and the adjacent duck pond.<\/p>\n
According to project designers, technical studies found concerns with water loss, potential leaks, water quality issues, and algae growth.<\/p>\n
Officials said the duck pond, because of its shallow depth, is particularly susceptible to algae blooms and higher concentrations of contaminants and microorganisms.<\/p>\n
One concept presented would remove the duck pond and replace it with new amenities and habitat improvements.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The overall project includes upgrades to trails, lighting, parking areas, roadways, and other infrastructure throughout the park.<\/p>\n
However, county leaders previously clarified that the duck pond is not currently included in the bond-funded improvement package.<\/p>\n
Any future changes specific to the duck pond would require a separate funding source and additional approvals.<\/p>\n
All sessions are scheduled at Ascarate Park, with most set for the park pavilion. <\/p>\n
The dates, times, and locations are:<\/p>\n
Wednesday, July 8 \u2014 6 p.m. | Ascarate Park PavilionWednesday, July 15 \u2014 6 p.m. | Ascarate Park PavilionSaturday, July 18 \u2014 9 a.m. | Duck PondWednesday, July 22 \u2014 6 p.m. | Ascarate Park PavilionWednesday, July 29 \u2014 6 p.m. | Ascarate Park PavilionThursday, August 6 \u2014 6 p.m. | Ascarate Park Pavilion (Special Commissioners Court Meeting) <\/p>\n
County Commissioners said they will continue to discuss the subject before deciding in August.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: Ascarate Park’s duck pond decision on hold as commissioners call for more outreach<\/a><\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: POLL: Do you support the removal of the duck pond from El Paso County’s Ascarate Park?<\/a><\/p>\n