Williamsbridge Reservoir facts for kids

Map of the area in 1901

The Williamsbridge Reservoir was a natural lake in the Bronx, New York. It was located just south of Van Cortlandt Park. The reservoir was about 13.1 acres (5.3 hectares) in size.

It was shaped like a shallow bowl and was usually 41 feet (12 meters) deep. The reservoir was at 208th Street and Bainbridge Avenue. It stopped being used for water in 1919. In 1934, officials suggested turning it into a park.

From Reservoir to Park

The Williamsbridge Reservoir property became part of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation on June 27, 1934. This was a big step towards creating a new public space.

A new sports and play area was built there. It covered 20 acres (8.1 hectares). This new park was called the Williamsbridge Oval Park and Williamsbridge Playground and Recreation Center. It officially opened on September 11, 1937.

Building the Park

The park was a Works Progress Administration project. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was a government program during the Great Depression. It helped put many people back to work by building public projects.

Building the Williamsbridge Oval Park cost $1,500,000. This was a lot of money at the time! The park features a beautiful Beaux Arts landscape design. It also has an Art Moderne recreation center. These styles were popular in the early 20th century.

Historical Recognition

The Keeper's House at Williamsbridge Reservoir is a historic building within the park. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. This list recognizes places important to American history.

Sixteen years later, in 2015, the entire Williamsbridge Oval Park was also added to the National Register. This shows how important the park is as a historical and cultural site.