The Waverly Duck was sitting low in the water on Sept. 15, 2024. The sprayfoam creation soaks up water and will need repairs to keep it afloat.
Wednesday’s story about the suspension this summer of paddle boat rentals on Albany’s Waverly Lake prompted a few questions along the lines of “Too bad, but what about the duck?”
The Waverly Duck has been in storage, as it is every winter.
I think the lake looks very nice without the big duck, especially with the new fountain in the middle.
But I asked the Albany Parks Department about the duck’s likely return, and the timing.
Parks and Recreation Director Kim Lyddane replied:
“The duck will land in the lake sometime in late May or early June. The duck was refurbished several years ago by a group of volunteers. It is made of foam and fiberglass and in recent years it has developed cracks from exposure, meaning it cannot stay in the lake too long or else it becomes waterlogged and begins to sink. The duck is no lightweight dry, but weighs in at about 7,000 pounds at the end of the season due to taking on water. We hear the Friends of the Duck are planning to launch a campaign to refurbish the duck again in the fall of this year.”
At the end of last summer, it was evident that the duck was not its spry former self. It was low by the stern and pretty far submerged.
Let’s assume it has dried out enough since then to warrant putting back in the lake, as the parks director says. (hh)
aaaargh!
It’s a matter of what you like. I prefer the lake without the duck. But I can see why some people enjoy it. Especially those with small children.
Make the Duck Float Again!
I love the duck! Let’s have two!
There is more people that love the duck in the lake Please bring him back and don’t listen to those that don’t want him
I have lived in this town for over 70 years and we love him!