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.
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.
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Duck Pond at UNM on Map
Sight Name: Duck Pond at UNM
Sight Location: Albuquerque, USA (See walking tours in Albuquerque)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Albuquerque, USA (See walking tours in Albuquerque)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Create Your Own Walk in Albuquerque
Creating your own self-guided walk in Albuquerque is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Downtown Historical Buildings Walking Tour
The one-of-a-kind character of Albuquerque is the result of many different forces and centuries of history that have shaped the city. The core of Central Albuquerque is what most of the locals considered 鈥渄owntown鈥� 鈥� a place they lived, worked, shopped, governed and entertained themselves in for almost 80 years, since the arrival of the railroad in 1880.
The vibrant architectural... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
The vibrant architectural... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
University of New Mexico Walking Tour
Founded in 1889, The University of New Mexico (UNM) is a renowned public research institution. Its branch campuses are scattered throughout the state while the main campus is located in Albuquerque. A good number of spots on this campus deserve a special note, either from an architectural or cultural standpoint, and we encourage you to explore them.
A must-go-to for students and visitors alike,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
A must-go-to for students and visitors alike,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Albuquerque Old Town Walk
The history of human habitation on the site of present-day Albuquerque, New Mexico reaches back 12,000 years. Long before the 鈥淏reaking Bad鈥� and 鈥淏etter Call Saul鈥� TV series made a splash for Albuquerque worldwide, the Paleo-Indians inhabited the region. By the time European settlers had arrived in the 1500s, approximately 20 indigenous tribes lined the 60-mile stretch of the Rio Grande... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles