Amber Lane
Graduate Fellow, CSWR
Originally referred to as the Lake or University Pond, the area swiftly garnered affection among students, earning the moniker "Duck Pond" shortly after its introduction in the fall of 1975. This name stuck due to its immediate popularity with the student body, with the pond being the focus of the university setting, situated on a central grassy terrain between Ash Mall on the West, Dane Smith Hall to the north, Zimmerman Library to the east, and Mitchell Hall to the south. The concept for the pond was developed in 1958 and brought to fruition in 1960 by the San Francisco-based John Carl Warnecke and Associates, as a key component of the university's expansive development strategy, often referred to as the “Warnecke Plan.” This plan proposed a series of transformative modifications to the University of New Mexico's (UNM) campus, with the Duck Pond being one of the most significant enhancements. It was then completed by ecologically minded, modernist landscape architect Garrett Eckbo in 1976.
UNMA 028 Box 57
The Daily Lobo, the university's newspaper, initially dubbed it a "concrete lake" in its coverage of the pond's inauguration. This term was a misnomer, as the pond was actually lined with clay, not concrete. Beyond the inaccurate description, the Daily Lobo also referred to it as the "No-Name Pond," delivering a barrage of criticisms towards it. The newspaper described the pond as the epitome of tackiness, calling it obtrusive and inappropriate, suggesting it did not blend well with the surrounding environment.
Professor Emeritus T. M. Pearce, offering a more dramatic critique, labeled it the "Pond of No Return." He argued that the pond detracted from the natural beauty of the campus, advocating for its removal and for the area to be restored to its natural state. This partly stems from the fact that in order to build the now staple of UNM’s landscape, an old dormitory, Yatoka Hall, and a faculty parking lot had to be demolished.
Construction of the Duck Pond, 1975. UNMA 028 Box 57
UNMA 028 Box 57
Adding to the pond's troubled start were the ecological and management challenges it faced. Notably, the Duck Pond became a site of conflict between local wildlife and domestic animals, with dogs frequently killing many of the ducks. This issue was exacerbated by a surplus of ducks, often the result of individuals abandoning their unwanted pets at the pond, leading to overpopulation and the associated problems. The pond includes an island and other areas protected by shrubbery to provide secure and sustainable nesting spots for the ducks. The general design of the Duck Pond with low hills that surround most of the pond, provide a calming view of the water and wildlife.
Despite these initial criticisms and the somewhat controversial start, the Duck Pond has evolved into an integral and cherished part of the University of New Mexico campus. Far from being a source of contention, being situated in the high desert it has become a haven for students seeking relaxation and a change of scenery from the usual academic environment. The design of the pond incorporated a pastoral, modernist landscape characterized by undulating hills, seemingly randomly placed shade trees including native varieties such as Rio Grande Cottonwood and Honey Locust, and a foot bridge. Paths have also been laid out around the pond to connect important destinations for pedestrians. Today, the Duck Pond is a popular spot for lounging, sunbathing, and enjoying lunch or study sessions outdoors. Benches in the shade and grassy hills provide ample places to read, and relax. Its transformation from a criticized project to a beloved campus landmark illustrates how perceptions can change over time, with the Duck Pond now seen as an essential feature of the UNM landscape, contributing to the university's unique charm and serving as a peaceful retreat for students, faculty and surrounding community alike.
UNMA 028 Box 57
More information about UNM's Duck Pond can be found in the New Mexico Digital Collections and UNM Campus Histories.
Undated photograph of Garrett Eckbo, taken from the Los Angeles Conservancy
Garrett Eckbo was a pioneer of modern landscape architecture. His philosophy encompassed the relationship between humans and nature, and how to effectively create a symbiosis of both in an urban setting. Eckbo's design philosophy was deeply rooted in the belief that landscape architecture should be a synthesis of art, science, and social relevance. He saw landscapes not just as aesthetic enhancements but as living environments that should serve the needs of all people, regardless of their socio-economic status. Eckbo believed in creating spaces that fulfilled human needs while respecting the natural environment. He advocated for designs that fostered human interaction, promoted social equity, and were in harmony with the local ecology. He believed these public, community driven spaces should be accessible to everyone and designed to enhance community interaction and connectivity.
Fine Arts Library: SB470 E26 T74 1997
ISBN: 0520207793
"I must insist that education at any level of study is greatly enhanced by beautiful surroundings. An aesthetically pleasing environment - whether in Ohio or New Mexico - is a great asset for any college or university. One need only observe the way UNM students are now enjoying the rolling grass slopes around the Duck Pond to realize that classroom lectures and outside reading are strengthened by the opportunity to relax peacefully near water, trees, and green grass."
-- Professor Chester Travelstead