Recently, the beloved ponds of Cypress College have undergone a dramatic transformation- they no longer have any water in them.
Due to the upcoming construction of the new Veterans Resource Center, the ponds have been drained and blocked off, leaving many students and some faculty wondering; what happened to the water and what will happen to the ducks?
Cypress College prides itself on its campus features, such as the artwork displayed in the on campus art gallery, sporting areas, and the twin ponds featured in the center of the school. The Cypress College website goes in depth on all of the features of the 110 acre campus that are open to students and members of the community. The popularly named Duck Pond is described as a location that, “provides a popular outdoor space for students to study year round.” With construction and fences now preventing access this area, many students have been left wondering why.
Marc S. Posner, Director of Campus Communications, was able to give some explanation for it’s closure and the current status of the campus duck pond. Construction on the pond currently is in order to, “refurbish pumps and flooring to prevent water loss,” said Posner.
Though the timing seems odd, construction of the upcoming new Veterans Resource Center, as well as the new Science, Engineering, and Mathematics building and other projects on campus, is part of the rational to commence this refurbishing now. “With construction on the library and new research center [happening now], it is deal to work on all of it together.”
Not only will the pond be refurbished, but the space will also be used for a garden representing and appreciating our military. Marc S. Posner explains how Cypress College, “promised the space to represent the veterans.” Posner states, “It makes a statement with how we use our space, and we are using it to show our respect to those who serve us.”
The drainage of the pond is not only an inconvenience to the students and staff, but to the wildlife of ducks who call it home. Posner also addressed those who worry for the ducks and their situation around campus. “Our local ducks are pretty resourceful at finding new space,” as he mentions, “there are other bodies of water to take to nearby and once we refill it, they will be back.” Though the ducks look lost now and may leave, the staff and construction take them as an aspect to plan for during this process. Posner also provided a timetable for students and local ducks, commenting that, “the entire area will be fenced off for about 18 months.”
While Posner agrees that “[it] definitely is an inconvenience,” but also commented that, “it will be worth the process in the end.”