Thirty years of planning and reconstruction. Decades of being closed off to public access. The historic Jersey City Reservoir #3, located in the Heights, has reopened to the public.
On Tuesday, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop was joined by members of the City Council, Department of Infrastructure, Department of Recreation and Youth Development, Jersey City Parks Coalition, Reservoir Alliance, and the community to announce the grand reopening of the historic Reservoir 3 following comprehensive construction to preserve and upgrade the historic gem.
Initially built more than a century and a half ago in the 1870s, Reservoir 3 is listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places. After three decades of little action, Mayor Fulop committed the necessary resources to fulfill the community’s requests and revive the 14-acre site, enhancing public accessibility and safety while preserving the reservoir’s unique historical significance.
During Tuesday’s ceremony, Mayor Fulop proudly stated that “Reservoir 3 is a beloved landmark in Jersey City, and its reopening marks a significant milestone in our commitment to preserving our city’s rich history while providing modern amenities and ensuring our parks remain valuable resources for recreation, education, and natural beauty for all residents to enjoy.”
The restoration and renovation of the site was not easy, but the result is a magnificent area of open, public space. A centerpiece of the restoration is the significant accessibility and safety improvements throughout the elevated path spanning the reservoir’s perimeter. This includes the construction of a new bridge to create continuity coupled with the path widening to meet ADA compliance standards, ensuring that community members of all abilities can enjoy all 14 acres of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
In addition to the new bridge and path widening, other significant improvements made during the multi-phase project include:
- Removed invasive species and overgrowth to improve esthetics and water views while also maintaining the retaining wall’s structural integrity and allowing for beneficial species to grow and thrive.
- New fencing and lighting to enhance safety and security throughout the area.
- Installed view sheds to overlook the water and serene landscape.
- Cleared algae from the reservoir’s surface.
Ward C Councilman Rich Boggiano stated, “Reservoir 3 is a valued asset for our community that will enhance the outdoor experience for our residents, and we encourage everyone to take full advantage of its amenities. As the former commissioner of Jersey City’s Historic Preservation Commission, I am especially passionate about this preservation project and improving the reservoir’s accessibility for all Jersey City residents.”
Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh added, “With this important park improvement project, we are proud to have created a space that honors the past while serving the needs of present and future generations with a beautiful, revitalized space for all residents to enjoy.”
The final project result was a community-wide, collaborative effort, as the Fulop Administration worked closely with the public to transform a decades-in-the-making vision into a reality.
A city press release stated, “The reopening of the historic Reservoir 3 promises to bring a wide array of benefits to residents and visitors, from providing a serene environment for walking and nature observation to offering educational opportunities about the reservoir’s history and ecological significance.”
“Reservoir 3 is key to our overall mission of preserving, improving, and expanding Jersey City’s parks and green spaces wherever possible,” said Barkha Patel, Director of the Department of Infrastructure.
Jersey City officials worked with the State Historic Preservation Office, Jersey City Parks Coalition, Reservoir Preservation Alliance, and Boy Scouts Troop 466 to break ground on the improvements in April 2021. The Reservoir 3 project represents the largest park investment since the city established Berry Lane Park in 2016.
The Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund and NJDEP’s Green Acres Program funded this phase of the restoration and preservation work. The Jersey City Parks Coalition aided in the preservation process for Reservoir 3.
“As the city’s nonprofit partner for expanding access to parks and public spaces, preserving Reservoir 3 was imperative for enhancing public green spaces in The Heights,” said Jersey City Parks Coalition President Paula Mahayosnand.“Working with the community, the Department of Infrastructure, and the Reservoir Alliance, this was a collaborative effort to honor the reservoir’s rich history and improve the overall experience for the community.”
The restoration work at the reservoir is not finished, however. The city has secured permits from the NJDEP and funding from the New Jersey Historic Trust to move forward with the next phase of construction to preserve the reservoir’s historic pump house.