Duck Pond at UNM, Albuquerque

The Duck Pond at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque has a fascinating history that spans several decades. Originally designed by Garret Eckbo, a famous landscape architect, the pond was supposed to have an artificial waterfall, a bridge with a trellis cover, and a Wisteria covering to imitate Japanese-style architecture. However, due to budget constraints, the original plan was scaled down, and the pond ended up being only two and a half feet deep for safety reasons.

When it was first constructed, the pond was called University Pond or simply The Lake. However, it was soon dubbed the Duck Pond by students who were enamored with the body of water. The Daily Lobo, a local newspaper, criticized the pond heavily and referred to it as the No-Name Pond and a concrete lake. Professor Emeritus T. M. Pearce even suggested bulldozing it and returning it to nature, but despite the initial backlash, the pond became a popular attraction on campus and in the city.

The pond was filled for the first time in February of 1976, and soon after, ducks, goldfish, and trout were introduced into the water. However, the ducks quickly became overpopulated, and the wild fish struggled to acclimate to the warm water. During cleaning in the winter of 1984, the ducks were relocated to the South Campus Golf Course Pond, and new ducks were donated to the Duck Pond.

Today, the Duck Pond is a highlight of the Albuquerque area, attracting visitors from across the city. It is surrounded by colorful reclining chairs and comfortable wooden benches, making it an ideal place to relax, study, or converse. The pond is also home to a diverse population of wildlife, including ducks, geese, and turtles. In the spring, the edges of the pond are lined with purple and white irises, while in the fall, the leaves turn golden brown, creating a serene and magical landscape. The pond is also a popular spot for photography, especially during golden hour.