Central Park Reservoir Jogging Path To Close For Work, City Says

CENTRAL PARK, NY — The city Department of Environmental Protection will drain the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir by 8 feet in an effort to upgrade facilities at the Central Park Reservoir, the city announced Friday.

Work to upgrade water control valves inside one of the reservoir's gate houses will begin in April and is expected to be complete by July, the city DEP announced Friday. Crews have already begun the slow process of draining water from the reservoir, which is not part of New York City's drinking water system.

The reservoir is Central Park's largest body of water and spans 85th to 97th streets.

A portion of the jogging path that circles the reservoir will also be shut down during the infrastructure work, the city agency announced. Signs will be installed along the jogging path to a detour along the bridle path, the city DEP announced.

Water levels at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir are expected to rebound to their current state by August, the city announced. In addition to the upcoming round of work, city engineers will be conducting field surveys in the vicinity of the reservoir during the summer to identify future upgrades needed.

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