The University of New Mexico Duck Pond is scheduled for renovations from Nov. 6 until late spring 2025.
Originally named University Pond, the Duck Pond used to be an artificial structure built over the area of a parking lot that lacked surrounding foliage. University Pond was perceived as an obtrusive, tacky structure, until the introduction of ducks made it an “instant hit” among students, according to UNM Campus History. In 1975, the Daily Lobo ran an article that called it the “Concrete Pond.”
Today’s Duck Pond, as UNM Over the Years put it, is “almost never devoid of student life.”
The new character of the pond will be based on the state it was in in 2006, according to a statement to the Daily Lobo from Institutional Support Services.
Student Krystal Duran described the Duck Pond as a “center of peace.”
“Before I came to UNM, I used to see people taking pictures at UNM — like family photos and engagement photos. And I was like, ‘It’s just a pond. What’s the hype?’” Krystal Duran said. “But now that I come here and get to hang out on the days that I’m here … I understand the hype.”
Paolo de Maestro, a junior and exchange student, said going to the Duck Pond with friends helped him settle in at UNM. He said he is a “little bit upset” about the potential of the Duck Pond being unavailable during the renovation.
“I hope there isn’t too much disturbance and that they don’t close it entirely, because if they did, that would be a real shame,” Maestro said.
Krystal Duran said she is glad the renovation is taking place during the winter, since people will not want to sit outside as often.
“But on the warmer days, it’s going to suck not being able to sit out here or at least enjoy the scenery,” Krystal Duran said.
Student Lillian Duran said she doesn’t know where she will hang out if the Duck Pond is closed down completely during construction.
“This is usually where I am,” Lillian Duran said. “If the ducks and the pigeons aren’t here, then I won’t really have anything to look at because they entertain me.”
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She said, however, that she’s excited to see what UNM does with the pond.
“It’s a good idea and I like it, because it will overall benefit all the animals living here. It just sucks how long it’s going to take,” Lillian Duran said. “This could be especially hard for the pigeons, because while the ducks can just eat algae, the pigeons are more reliant on humans.”
A ground-breaking for the Duck Pond project was planned for Nov. 6, but it was canceled due to scheduling conflicts with key speakers, according to UNM Newsroom.
In the meantime, students and community members can leave notes depicting their thoughts and feelings about the project on the Duck Pond Revitalization Project website.
Shin Thant Hlaing is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
