Arboretum Duck Pond

What’s the point of reviewing a duck pond you might ask??? Well first of all it’s a relaxing place to enjoy your Amy’s ice cream or smoke a cigar from Heroes and Legacies or to take a date and just talk like we did in the Old Timey Days.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that all Chinese geese are mean (and aggressive and loud).
There were three Chinese geese when I visited and lots of dumped domestic ducks (like maybe 40). There were no wild ducks. If even the wild ducks don’t visit and stick around, then you know the pond isn’t suitable for ducks.
Though the majority of pond visitors throw bread (which is VERY UNHEALTHY for ducks), I did see some whole corn kernels on the «shore.» I call it a «shore» because it’s an artificial pond and the shore consists of a few feet of hard packed gravel with no soil or grass and then an abrupt 2-​ft-​high concrete wall the ducks must jump onto that then leads to the surrounding soil, grass, and wooded area. Ducklings have an amazing ability to jump, but 2 ft is probably impossible. There is one narrow sloped walkway, but it’s inconvenient for the ducks who may be at the opposite side of the pond.
Most of the lower shore is unshaded during the day; the ducks would have to jump up to the upper level to hide under the trees. The upper level does not have a convenient source of water for them to drink. All this jumping up and especially down could lead to cuts on the bottom of their feet that let in bacteria (which could cause the dreaded bumblefoot).
There was some litter floating in the water and on the shore, but in general, the trash situation is above-​average compared to other park ponds around town. There are perch swimming in the water and I saw a human-​dumped 3−4-week-old muscovy duckling trying to eat it. This is no place for ducklings that young without a Mother duck taking care of them.
I haven’t come here regularly and have no idea of what (if any) predators hang around. I’ve never seen fishing here. It’s a relief to know the ducks and geese won’t die from being tangled up in fishing line or swallowing fishhooks like at other ponds.
The ducks seemed fairly hungry since they approached me and ate duck pellets even at noon on a very hot Sunday.
The other pond visitors I’ve encountered here were respectful of the ducks. Pond visitors were all parents with closely-​monitored young children who didn’t abuse the ducks and geese.
If you’re feeding the ducks, please don’t throw food into the water unless it’s the Mazuri Waterfowl Floating Pellets. Also, don’t leave too much food in case it ends up uneaten and becomes moldy or bacteria-​laden. Bread is bad for ducks. You can google for reasons why.

What a down right beautiful place. I mean, its set so nicely, and perfectly nestled in the trees. Small rock wall for sitting. Ample parking along the roadside. Thought we just stop by and check it out on the way home after leaving Boathouse grill. My daughter had some breading left fro. Her corn dog and hubs had some fries. We decided to go feed the ducks.
Lol. Well, I enjoy nature to a certain extent. But I’m no buff. Those damn ducks were coming after me… they wanted that food. I found myself backing up… before I ever tossed… I swear they knew food was coming before we ever Approached. Flocking those gigantic wings… Holy crap… Had to move back. Lol. I was scared. Yup. Grown woman. Scared of ducks. Honestly, I don’t have a lot of good experiences with «birds»… Ahhh. They hate me, or know that I hate them and they feed on it. Lol.
Needless to sy we made our way back up to the bridge and threw food from afar. and looked from afar. stayed for a just a few minutes… long enough to realize they were making their way up toward our car… Good lord… They must have been starving. Lol. I don’t know.
Beautiful place. Will definitely go back… with a lot of food.. More cautiously though… :-)

I love this little spot nestled at the bottom of the hill here. We like to grab an ice cream from Amy’s, watch the sunset off the deck, and then wind our way down the hill to hang out with the ducks. I imagine it is a popular place to unwind on your lunch break if you work in the Arboretum.

A nice landscaped place to wander around and relax on a pleasant afternoon.
BUT A WARNING: Ducks are not the brightest. Do not wear sandals or you risk having a duck try to nibble your toes thinking they are bread. This will make you reflexively push the duck away quickly with your foot causing it to quack loudly and fly a short way away unharmed and slightly grumpy at not getting bread. Then you will have to beat a hasty exit because the lady a few hundred feet away totally saw you kick a duck.
Trust me on that one.

Along with the surrounding nature area and the adjacent shopping center, this is all part of the Arboretum.
I like it down there. It’s really relaxing. You can feed the ducks or just walk around after you’re done with your shopping. I’ve been going here for years, and sometimes if my friends and I have just absolutely nothing else to do, we’ll just chill here.

This is a very cool man-​made duck pond, located in the Arboretum area between Great Hills & 360. Here I’ve enjoyed seeing a variety of ducks, geese, red-​eared slider turtles, fish and blue jays. There a few benches around the pond so bring along you lunch and enjoy this urban respite. Hint: the turtles like hot dogs.