PHOTO #1: This conceptual rendering shows the new design for the Riverside Park duck pond.
PHOTO #2: The City of Victoria hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Riverside Park duck pond construction Sept. 12. Shown from left are City Manager Jesús A. Garza, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Laurie Eder, Councilman Rafael DeLaGarza, Mayor Jeff Bauknight, Lester Contracting General Manager Trent Tagliabue, Councilman Mark Loffgren, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Mike Rivera, Parks & Recreation Commission Chair Lee Keeling and Councilman Duane Crocker. View more photos from the groundbreaking
After years of work behind the scenes, residents will now be able to see changes taking place at the Riverside Park duck pond.
The City broke ground on the duck pond restoration project Sept. 12. The groundbreaking was attended by leadership and elected officials from the City of Victoria and the Parks & Recreation Commission as well as representatives of Lester Contracting.
“I want to thank the City staff, design team, Texas Parks & Wildlife and others who have been working diligently to restore this beloved community fixture,” said Mayor Jeff Bauknight. “This has been a long process for us, and we’re excited to be able to bring the duck pond back with an improved, resilient design.”
City crews will excavate the pond this week, and Lester Contracting will begin working on the project later this month.
The duck pond is expected to open in fall 2023. Features of the restored pond will include:
- A wall around the edge of the pond to prevent erosion
- A duck feeding area with seating along the side of the pond
- Water fountains with LED lighting
- A floating fishing pier
- A more spacious gazebo overlook protruding over the surface of the pond
The duck pond first closed in 2018 due to sidewalk damage that was partly caused by Hurricane Harvey. Various factors contributed to the length of the closure, including the scope of damage, grant regulations and the effects of inflation on contract negotiations.
For more information about Parks & Recreation facilities, visit www.victoriatx.gov/parks.