Construction of the Duck Pond we know today was started at the end of the fall semester of 1974. The parking lot that was there was closed and Yatoka Hall demolition began. It was completed in 1975, and by 1976 the ground cover and trees had been installed. The Physical Plant wanted to fill in and pave over the pond shortly after it was constructed due to the algae that flourished in its shallow waters, but it had become an instant attraction for students.