El Paso residents received two important updates on Wednesday: County commissioners voted to retain the duck pond at Ascarate Park amid renovation options, and the El Paso Water Public Service Board eliminated two of its four budget scenarios for the next fiscal year.
At a community information session held at Ascarate Park, officials presented two alternatives for the pond’s future. The first option would cost $1.6 million and focus on water‑quality improvements such as adding aerators, a new pump station, shoreline repairs, and a walking trail. The second, more extensive plan would require $7.2 million, draining the pond, installing a new liner, removing sediment, and eventually refilling it, with space for new pickleball courts and other recreation areas. Engineering data showed that, based on one week of measurements, roughly 365,000 gallons per day leave the main lake and about 63,000 gallons per day exit the duck pond, though the destination of that water remains unclear.
Community reaction was largely supportive of keeping the pond. Resident Sergio Tarrango said, “Obviously that’s awesome… at the very least, not take away, this is a win for sure.” Another local who plays pickleball expressed hope for additional courts. Commissioner David Stout noted, “It was made loud and clear… that people would like to maintain the duck pond.” Residents can still submit comments on the county’s capital‑improvement bond page as the decision moves forward.
Meanwhile, the El Paso Water board voted to drop the “high‑risk” and “lean” budget options, leaving one scenario that emphasizes higher reliability and another that prioritizes the most affordable rates. President and CEO John Balliew explained, “We have one rate alternative on the water and wastewater side now that leans more towards higher reliability and then one that leans more towards as affordable a rate as we possibly can.” The board also approved moving ahead with discussions on an accelerated stormwater proposal that would address open‑channel reconstruction and dam rehabilitation.
Both bodies will reconvene in the coming months. The county will continue to collect public input on the Ascarate Park pond options before a final vote, while the water board expects to make a definitive budget decision in January. Residents are encouraged to review the proposals on the respective agency websites and participate in any upcoming comment periods.
Sources: kfoxtv.com, kfoxtv.com, cbs4local.com
