Ridgewood Reservoir renovation work looking good

Image source: Queens Chronicle

The Queens Chronicle reported that the most recent renovations to area around the Ridgewood Reservoir (GMAP) are looking great. The current  upgrades consist of:

-New fencing
-New staircases
-Installation of ramps to allow handicapped accessibility
-Newly repaved walking trail around the old basins

In progress is the installation of a brand-new wiring and electrical system. These elements will accommodate the new lights that sit on top of the classic-style lampposts. All of this was slated to be completed Spring 2012, but as is the case with renovations, myriad reasons can delay work. In this case, when they started to work on the area, “contractors discovered walls and paths that were structurally unstable,” so that had to be fixed first. This work is expected to be completed in Spring 2013.

The Reservoir itself was built in 1858 and was a source of water for neighboring Brooklyn for over 100 years. The basins were decommissioned and drained in 1989. After that happened the reservoir transitioned naturally into a “virtual nature sanctuary” and has become home to a small birch forest. It’s a popular spot for birds (and bird watchers), including some rare species. The trail around the reservoir is now part of the Brooklyn-Queens Greenway.

The Reservoir was also transferred to the Parks Department in 2004, with the expectation of further integrating it into Highland Park. The plans for the Reservoir have been the source of controversy, with certain interests (Parks) wanting to turn the place into ballfields, wheras other interests (members of Community Board 5) want to keep the Reservoir in its natural state.

Reservoir revs up renovation effort [Queens Chronicle]