PHOTOS: The Ponds’ popular pond

A block in Seaview could easily be renamed Pondview. This is why:

(WSB photos)

That’s the 3,200-gallon pond that occupies much of the front yard at Jeff and Melinda Pond‘s house.

Yes, Pond is their surname as well as their passion. The pond is a neighborhood attraction, created more than a decade ago. It’s home to these colorful koi.

The koi are not alone in the pond – it’s home to more than a dozen frogs, too (all of whom were in hiding during our recent visit). The pond held dozens of goldfish, too, but Jeff said almost a hundred goldfish were recently removed and rehomed. So the koi are currently rulers of the pond:

They are popular. Jeff and Melinda say it goes beyond passerby curiosity – day-care groups make regular visits, and enjoy story time by the pond – Little Free Libraries are just outside the fence to encourage story time for everyone:

Wildlife visit too. Bald eagles, great blue herons, a barred owl, and raccoons have all been seen. But so far nobody’s managed to pull off a major raid. The particulars of keeping koi are fascinating – we asked what happens in winter; Jeff says the fish – which can live for half a century – basically go into hibernation.

Do they have names? Mostly no, though their daughter has named a few, including “Mr. Fishy.” They have a smaller “sick tank” if any of the fish get ill and have to be separated from the others. But mostly, the pond is a peaceful refuge for Jeff, who works for Boeing and says his time at work can be “chaotic.”

The neighborhood is an extra-special place for Melinda, who grew up next door. Now they’re raising a family – and fish. And since the pond has attracted so much interest, they’ve set up this social-media page where you can get updates and ask questions. You’ll also be pointed to that page if you use the QR code that’s on a sign out front. You’re welcome to visit in person too – viewing from outside the fence – on 44th SW between Findlay and Juneau – just look for the flags!

16 Replies to "PHOTOS: The Ponds' popular pond"

  • Luvsseattle October 6, 2022 (9:22 pm)

    Such a joy for the neighborhood! The Ponds’ are great neighbors and I am so happy to have met them when I lived in WS.

    • Jeff October 7, 2022 (5:47 am)

      Thank you šŸ˜Š 

  • Robert Goulet October 6, 2022 (9:32 pm)

    I’ve stopped by many times to view the fish while out walking the neighborhood.  It’s always a pleasure to view the fish and the surroundings.  We have some pretty great people here in West Seattle.  Thanks for a great attraction.

    • Jeff October 7, 2022 (5:47 am)

      Thank you

  • Riverview October 7, 2022 (12:55 am)

    Thank you for sharing this pond with us. 

    • Jeff October 7, 2022 (12:32 pm)

      šŸ˜€

  • 22blade October 7, 2022 (3:40 am)

    Thatā€™s awesome. Iā€™ll have to plan a walk by it soon. Growing up in Japan, watching Koi was a part of my childhood. The Koi windsocks you see all over the place are for the Japanese Childrenā€™s Day (formerly a girlā€™s (Hinamatsuri) & boyā€™s day. ā€œKoinoboriā€: literally means raising of the Koi. Koi & my late mother have a very special place in my heart. Thanks for sharing with the neighborhood!

  • RW October 7, 2022 (4:35 am)

    Wow! What a neighborhood treasure.  This is just a few streets over from my house, and I never knew about it. Will be making a trip over there very soon. 

  • Cat Mom October 7, 2022 (5:24 am)

    That’s really cool!

  • Drw October 7, 2022 (6:59 am)

    I relied on their little free library for kids books early in Covid when the library was closed and I read to my distant grands on Zoom. And the signs on the fence are hilarious. Thanks!!

  • April October 7, 2022 (10:32 am)

    I live in Seaview and walk by this often. I always have to stop and enjoy its beauty. I also take visitors by when they visit me. I love having this in the neighborhood!!

  • Rooster October 7, 2022 (11:17 am)

    The best built Little Free Library! Love strolling by this place.

  • Crystal October 7, 2022 (6:20 pm)

    How do you keep critters from stealing fish! My Uncle had a pond in the backyard by Lincoln Park had issues with raccoons stealing fish even after chicken wire was installed over the pond.

    • Jeff October 8, 2022 (9:53 am)

      Water is to deep for the predators.  Also, I have put caves in the pond that the fish and frogs can hide under :)

  • Morgan and Buddy October 7, 2022 (6:48 pm)

    YES! Our favorite stop along our daily walk. Buddy appreciates the fresh dog water, too. :)

    • Jeff October 8, 2022 (2:05 pm)

      Drink are always on us lol

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