A new bridge was installed as part of the Duck Pond renovation.

Located at the heart of campus, the Duck Pond has long served as a backdrop for conversations between classes, quiet moments of study, and celebrations that mark life’s milestones. Since its creation in 1976, the pond has become one of UNM’s most recognizable and beloved landmarks—an enduring part of the Lobo experience that many alumni remember fondly.

After a comprehensive renovation designed to preserve its historic character while strengthening its sustainability and accessibility, the Duck Pond has officially reopened to the campus community.

“The Duck Pond is so much more than a pretty spot on campus. It is part of the heart of UNM,” said Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration Teresa Costantinidis. “It’s where students relax between classes, faculty and staff take a moment to connect with nature during the day, and families from across Albuquerque gather for graduation photos, quinceañeras and wedding celebrations. It’s where our neighbors walk their dogs each day and little kids learn to ride bikes. The variety of birds that call the pond home bring beauty, life, and a sense of calm to all who visit. Restoring it with such care feels like honoring all those joyful moments. UNM is proud to preserve this cherished place for everyone in our community. I am so happy to see it renewed and ready for the next generation of Lobos.”

The Duck Pond Revitalization Project addressed aging infrastructure while preserving the pond’s historic design. Originally created as a man-made urban water feature by renowned landscape architect Garrett Eckbo and completed in 1976, the pond has grown over nearly five decades into a defining feature of campus life for students, faculty, staff, alumni and the greater Albuquerque community.

“While the general nature and shape of the pond remains the same, the physical changes to the pond were reviewed by the UNM Historic Preservation Committee to recognize and preserve the original design intent by renowned campus architect Garrett Eckbo,” explained Facilities Services Project & Construction Manager Michael Pierce. “All of these changes and effort will result in a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable ecological environment for the wildlife and all users of this beloved campus landmark.”

“It is my privilege to help celebrate the reopening of this very special place—a place that over the last 50 years has come to be not just an iconic feature of our landscape, but also the very heart of our campus itself,” said UNM President Garnett S. Stokes. “This is a place where generations of Lobos have joyfully met with new friends, celebrated accomplishments loudly, or quietly studied in the shade. It’s a place where faculty and staff can take a moment to recharge and reflect at the end—or even the middle—of a long day.

“I don’t think it’s overstatement to say that the Duck Pond is UNM. It’s a beloved symbol of our university, one of the first locations visitors head for, and one of the most-photographed icons on our campus. With this renovation, we haven’t just restored a pond; we’ve renewed a piece of our shared history and invested in our future,” added Stokes.

A spectacular view of one of the fountains after the Duck Pond renovation.

The renovation focused on improving water quality, ecological health, accessibility and long-term maintenance while preserving the pond’s historic charm. Importantly, the Duck Pond’s iconic shape, appearance and waterfall remain unchanged.

Major upgrades include a new pond liner to prevent water loss, modern biofilters, and a UV treatment system that improves water quality by reducing harmful algae and microorganisms.

Accessibility improvements allow visitors—including those using mobility aids—to reach every edge of the pond, making the space more inclusive for the entire community.

Materials used in the planter walls and pond enclosure were upgraded for durability, while the pond’s mechanical systems were modernized to improve water circulation and ecological balance. These updates will reduce maintenance needs while helping preserve the pond’s natural beauty for years to come.

Pathways around the pond were widened in select areas and regraded to meet accessibility standards so that everyone can enjoy the space. Some trees in poor condition were removed for safety reasons, and new trees were planted to continue the pond’s tradition of shade and greenery.

The revitalization project also reflects the university’s broader commitment to sustainability and campus stewardship, aligning with goals outlined in UNM’s 2040 strategic vision.

“The restoration of this valuable Heritage Zone marks UNM’s investment in our campus character, community assets, and commitment to sustainability,” said University Planner and Director of Campus Capital and Space Planning Rosie Dudley. “It upholds the original vision and preservation guidelines while improving the water quality and habitat, making it easier to maintain, and improving safety and security with enhanced lighting and accessible paths.”

“Future phases of improvements will include further furniture and landscaping enhancements to make this space a destination for future Lobos and the community at-large, enabling the Duck Pond to continue to hold a special place in so many people’s hearts.”

Additionally, new benches designed to match the historic character of the space were installed in nine existing seating areas, and two additional seating areas will also be added near Mitchell Hall at the south end of the pond.

For alumni returning to campus—or simply remembering their time at UNM—the Duck Pond remains what it has always been: a place to pause, reconnect, and experience the spirit of the Lobo community.

UNM President Garnett S. Stokes cuts the ribbon officially re-opening the UNM Duck Pond.