Reservoir

The Reservoir is the largest water body in Central Park and one of its most popular destinations for running.

A 1.58-mile track surrounds the Reservoir, often filled with runners and walkers enjoying the scenery of the water with skyline views in all directions. In addition to running, many also visit to birdwatch, as the Reservoir attracts many types of aquatic birds. The landscapes surrounding the Reservoir are popular in the spring for their many blooming Yoshino and Kwanzan cherry trees and rhododendrons. The section of the drive along the east side of the Reservoir is known as Rhododendron Mile.

The Reservoir was built between 1858 and 1862 to provide additional capacity for the City’s first receiving reservoir, which pre-dated the Park and was located just to the south. While the original reservoir had a rectangular shape, the current Reservoir was designed with an irregular, curvilinear footprint to better harmonize with the Park. Spanning 106 acres and at 40 feet deep, the Reservoir holds more than one billion gallons of water. At the time of its construction, it was the world’s largest man-made water body. Along the shores of the Reservoir are three gatehouses, which house pipes and other infrastructure.

As the City’s population grew, its water supply system expanded, resulting in changes to both reservoirs. In 1917, the City finished construction on the first water tunnel from reservoirs upstate, which greatly expanded capacity and made the Park’s first reservoir obsolete; by 1937 it had been filled and redesigned as the Great Lawn. In 1993, the remaining Reservoir was decommissioned, in part because of concerns about contamination from algae, and because of the ongoing expansion of the system, including the construction of the third water tunnel.

Cleaning the Reservoir

Central Park Conservancy staff care for the Reservoir by removing invasive plants, clearing trash and other debris, fixing eroded areas, and more.

View with audio description

In 1994, the Reservoir was named for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis—who used to jog here—in honor of her contributions to the City. In 2009, the Central Park Conservancy restored a historic fountain that was originally installed in 1917 in celebration of the completion of the Ashokan Reservoir upstate and the dedication of the City’s first water tunnel. Originally rarely activated, and only for special occasions, this floating fountain now provides another scenic element to this popular destination. Today, the Reservoir is managed by the Department of Environmental Protection.

Then & Now: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park

One of Central Park's most picturesque landscapes, the Reservoir was constructed between 1858 and 1862.

View with audio description

A couple, and their small dog, look South across the Reservoir to the skyline of midtown Manhattan in the distance.

Support the Park

Help us care for the Park’s water bodies. The Conservancy’s work keeps them healthy and benefits the wildlife that depend on them.

Donate Now

Also in the area

Read more

  • Wildlife

    Wintering in Central Park: How Urban Wildlife Survives Seasonal Change

    The mammals, birds, and reptiles that call Central Park home have adapted to survive the cold.

    Tags: Winter / Nature Lovers

  • Things to See and Do

    The Beginner’s Guide to Photography in Central Park

    Learn insider tips on when, where, and how to get the best snapshots in New York City’s backyard.

    Tags: First-Time Visitors

  • Things to See and Do

    Stories from Central Park

    We set out to capture some of their stories and create a picture of the Park on an average day, through our visitors' eyes.

    Tags: Families / Summer

  • Plants and Trees

    A Tree Lover’s Guide to the Harlem Meer and North Woods

    The North Woods and the landscapes around the Harlem Meer are home to a collection of New York City’s most showstopping trees—many of which are over 100 years old! Explore the Central Park Conservancy’s guide to the area’s best longtime leafy residents, curated by our expert arborists.

    Tags: Conservancy Staff / Park Design / About the Conservancy / Trees / Highlights / Nature Lovers / Park Experts / Plants and Trees / Landscapes / Restoration and Maintenance

  • Q&As

    5 Questions with Mary Wittenberg, 10-Year Race Director of the TCS NYC Marathon

    Mary Wittenberg, former President and Chief Executive Officer of New York Road Runners, shares her favorite running routes in the Park, NYC Marathon memories, and more.
  • Park History

    Artifacts and Archives: The Rediscovery and Research of Seneca Village

    Learn about the historical research of this community of predominantly African-Americans, many of whom owned property.

    Tags: History

  • Park History

    Meeting New York City's Demand for Water

    The Croton Aqueduct system revolutionized the City. Did you know this remarkable piece of history also involves Central Park?

    Tags: History / Park Experts

  • About the Conservancy

    Seasons in Flux: How the New Climate Reality is Disrupting the Calendar for Parks

    In extensive interviews for the Central Park Climate Lab, Conservancy staff members detail a new normal in the ways in which an urban park is planned for and operates, from planting seasons and choices to labor constraints and challenges. This warm winter was just the latest example, and it has long-lasting ramifications for greenspaces like Central Park.

    Tags: Conservancy Staff / Nature Lovers / Park Experts

  • About the Conservancy

    People of the Park: Martha & Serena

    Central Park is integral to many people’s lives, and we're talking to some of them to get to know the people behind the people’s Park. Meet Martha and Serena, whose relationship is deeply entwined with this vibrant greenspace.

    Tags: Conservancy Staff / Tips for Visiting / About the Conservancy / Nature Lovers / Park Experts / First-Time Visitors

  • Things to See and Do

    10 Date Ideas in Central Park

    Whether you're visiting for a first date or a longtime anniversary, here are 10 ideas for a fun getaway in the Park.

    Tags: Tips for Visiting

  • Park Information

    A Reflection of Nature Itself: The Different Landscapes of Central Park

    Central Park is made up of a variety of landscapes that are diverse, intricate, and interconnected—just like the communities of Park-lovers who enjoy them.

    Tags: Trees / Nature Lovers / Lawns / Landscapes