PHOTO #1: This concept photo from a 2020 presentation to City Council shows what the duck pond might look like with a new wall around the edge to prevent erosion.
PHOTO #2: This preliminary design for the Riverside Park duck pond was approved by the City Council in 2020. The final design will include a walkway around the perimeter of the pond.
PHOTO #3: This concept photo provided by a consultant shows the chosen roof design and color scheme for the redesigned duck pond gazebo. The new gazebo will stand on an overlook protruding over the surface of the pond.
The City Council will consider whether to approve a construction contract for the Riverside Park duck pond at their July 19 meeting.
If the contract with Lester Contracting is approved, construction will begin in September and is expected to finish in October 2023. The September start date will give the City time to complete certain tasks, such as the excavation of a holding pond, that must happen before construction can start.
The new layout of the pond was designed by Luck Design Team and approved by the City Council in 2020. Since that time, the City decided to add a walkway around the perimeter of the new pond. Other features 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 new gazebo location will be easier to maintain, will be closer to parking and will offer a scenic view of the pond.
The total cost of the construction contract is $1.6 million. This does not include the cost of some secondary features that will be purchased directly by the City to save money, such as the gazebo, the pier and the holding pond. The cost of these features is approximately $250,000, with the City saving an estimated $160,000.
In 2021, the City applied for and received a $621,000 grant from Texas Parks & Wildlife toward the cost of the duck pond.
City Council meetings are hosted at 5 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 105 W. Juan Linn St. Meetings are broadcast live on channels 15 and 115 and online at www.victoriatx.gov/tv15.