The Rotary Duck Pond in Portage la Prairie is nearly complete, marking a significant milestone in a project that began back in 2019. Created, planned, and executed by the Rotary Club of Portage la Prairie, the community space has steadily transformed over the past six years into a scenic destination on Island Park.
Preston Meier, Chair of the Rotary Duck Pond Committee, outlines the latest additions since last fall, including three fountains, a waterfall, and new seating areas designed to give visitors a comfortable place to enjoy the relaxing view.
"There is now concrete at what we call ‘bump outs’. The intent with that is that you have a chance to bring a lawn chair, read a book, or bring an umbrella, and be able to sit at the edge," Meier says.
The project design includes a clear boundary between the developed Rotary Duck Pond and the natural wetland area to the south, which remains untouched to preserve the habitat for geese and ducks.
Work on the new signage is also underway, naming the area’s raised deck space the “Rona Rotary Deck". A display will also include the pond's official title, “Rotary Duck Pond,” with a full list of supporters and sponsors.
“We're pretty excited! This will finish the project as we originally had it, and then we'll see if there are any other elements the club will add to it in the next few years.”
Under a formal agreement with the City of Portage la Prairie, the Rotary Club has committed to maintaining the pond area for the next 10 years.
The planting and landscaping side of the project is overseen by Cathie McFarlane, Chair of the Rotary Planting Committee, who says the space continues to grow and change year by year. The pond features four planting zones, each sponsored by a different local business: Homestead Co-op, McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel, Richardson Milling, and Southport. Representatives from these businesses help with seasonal planting and maintenance alongside Rotary members.
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The committee also collaborates with Jeffries Nurseries to guide the planting's growth. McFarlane says the garden is still in its early stages, with many plants expected to reach full size within a couple of years.
"We're probably about one or two years away from it filling in," McFarlane says. "We don't want to have it so large that people can't see the pond. I notice when I'm over here in the summer, people like to sit on the benches and enjoy the water. It's very peaceful."
Looking ahead to the spring, McFarlane adds that cleanup will soon begin, followed by the addition of vibrant annuals.
"Once clean-up is done, we'll be putting in more green. When we know there's no more frost, we'll return to plant a selection of annuals."
She explains that this year's additions will include larger groupings of annuals with edible varieties mixed in.
"The national theme for Communities in Bloom this year is edible gardens, so we want to support that because we're thinking more people will be getting into vegetable gardens this year."
An extra layer of mulch is also being added to help the soil retain moisture, especially as the region braces for what could be a dry summer.
"The city is very helpful to us, and our agreement has them coming several times a week to water the whole area. That was more important when the perennials were younger, but if it's going to be a dry year, it could be important again this year."
A volunteer day is planned for later this spring, and Rotary invites community members to join the clean-up and planting efforts.
“If anybody wants to come and be involved, we've had several community members over the years who have come and given us a hand to help clean up; they are more than welcome to, and we'll get that date out to the public soon," Meier adds.
As the final touches are applied, the Rotary Duck Pond stands as a testament to the dedication and collaboration of the Rotary Club, local businesses, and community members. Once complete, it will offer residents and visitors a tranquil space to enjoy nature, reflect, and create lasting memories.