Highland Park
Queens
The former Ridgewood Reservoir, nestled in the broader expanse of the 185-acre Highland Park, was built in 1856 on a natural basin. The reservoir was used until 1959 and served as a backup water supply for Brooklyn and Queens until 1989.
Today, the 50-acre site on the Brooklyn/Queens border consists of three reservoir basins, pump houses and a caretaker’s cottage. The basins have filled with soil and plants over time, creating a striking natural setting with incredible potential for community access.
The funding that has been allocated will reconstruct Highland Park's infrastructure and develop a new destination park. Potential improvements include a pedestrian network, new and enhanced active and passive recreation areas, and the removal of non-native species to establish a more diverse ecological habitat. The existing historic buildings will be stabilized and preserved and their adaptive reuse will be considered for the future. The Phase 1 work includes perimeter lighting, path restoration and the design of accessible access points for wheelchair users. The master plan will begin development upon completion of the community outreach process.