Williamsbridge Reservoir
Encyclopedia
Williamsbridge Reservoir was a natural lake
(despite its name) measuring 13.1 acres (53,013.9 m²) just south of Van Cortlandt Park
in the Bronx, New York. Specifically the body of water was located at 208th Street and Bainbridge Avenue. It was shaped like a saucer and was normally forty-one feet deep Its water level dropped approximately fourteen feet in mid-August 1901. On April 3, 1934 Commissioner of Water Supply, Gas and Electricity, Maurice P. Davidson, proposed that it be offered to Robert Moses
to be used as a park site. The reservoir had ceased to be used after 1919.
, between Columbia Oval and the Williamsbridge Reservoir, in January 1910. On the plot a hospital for treating various diseases replaced the previous site of the Montefiore Home, a building at Broadway (Manhattan) between 137th Street and 138th Street.
In June 1928 a four-year-old boy, Frederic Fleishaus, of 3315 Rochambeau Avenue, the Bronx, drowned in Williamsbridge Reservoir. He gained access to the water through a small opening in an eight foot fence which had been erected for protection.
The Williamsbridge Reservoir property came under the control of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
on June 27, 1934. A new sport and play area covering 20 acres (80,937.2 m²) opened there on September 11, 1937. A Works Progress Administration
project, the facilities cost $1,500,000 to build.
The Keeper's House at Williamsbridge Reservoir
was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
in 1999.
Lake
A lake is a body of relatively still fresh or salt water of considerable size, localized in a basin, that is surrounded by land. Lakes are inland and not part of the ocean and therefore are distinct from lagoons, and are larger and deeper than ponds. Lakes can be contrasted with rivers or streams,...
(despite its name) measuring 13.1 acres (53,013.9 m²) just south of Van Cortlandt Park
Van Cortlandt Park
Van Cortlandt Park is a park located in the Bronx in New York City. It is the fourth largest park in New York City, behind Pelham Bay Park, Flushing Meadows Park and Staten Island Greenbelt....
in the Bronx, New York. Specifically the body of water was located at 208th Street and Bainbridge Avenue. It was shaped like a saucer and was normally forty-one feet deep Its water level dropped approximately fourteen feet in mid-August 1901. On April 3, 1934 Commissioner of Water Supply, Gas and Electricity, Maurice P. Davidson, proposed that it be offered to Robert Moses
Robert Moses
Robert Moses was the "master builder" of mid-20th century New York City, Long Island, Rockland County, and Westchester County, New York. As the shaper of a modern city, he is sometimes compared to Baron Haussmann of Second Empire Paris, and is one of the most polarizing figures in the history of...
to be used as a park site. The reservoir had ceased to be used after 1919.
History of reservoir site
A site for the Montefiore Home, first organized in 1884, was acquired in the West BronxWest Bronx
The West Bronx is a neighborhood in the New York City borough of the Bronx. The neighborhood lies west of the Bronx River and roughly corresponds to the western half of the borough....
, between Columbia Oval and the Williamsbridge Reservoir, in January 1910. On the plot a hospital for treating various diseases replaced the previous site of the Montefiore Home, a building at Broadway (Manhattan) between 137th Street and 138th Street.
In June 1928 a four-year-old boy, Frederic Fleishaus, of 3315 Rochambeau Avenue, the Bronx, drowned in Williamsbridge Reservoir. He gained access to the water through a small opening in an eight foot fence which had been erected for protection.
The Williamsbridge Reservoir property came under the control of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation operates :*168 state parks*35 state historic sites*76 developed beaches*53 water recreational facilities*27 golf courses*39 full service cottages*818 cabins...
on June 27, 1934. A new sport and play area covering 20 acres (80,937.2 m²) opened there on September 11, 1937. A Works Progress Administration
Works Progress Administration
The Works Progress Administration was the largest and most ambitious New Deal agency, employing millions of unskilled workers to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads, and operated large arts, drama, media, and literacy projects...
project, the facilities cost $1,500,000 to build.
The Keeper's House at Williamsbridge Reservoir
Keeper's House at Williamsbridge Reservoir
Keeper's House at Williamsbridge Reservoir is a historic home located in The Bronx, New York, New York. It was built in 1889 as part of the Williamsbridge Reservoir complex. It is a -story, L-shaped stone house...
was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
in 1999.