REQUEST FOR INFORMATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CENTRAL PARK GATEHOUSES INITIATIVE

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir was built between 1858 and 1862 to store drinking water for New York City. As the City continued to grow, the Board of Water Supply gradually constructed a system of upstate reservoirs and tunnels, rendering the in-city reservoirs obsolete. The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir was decommissioned as part of the drinking water supply system in 1993 and today serves as a popular destination for jogging and walking in Central Park. There are three gatehouses adjacent to the reservoir, which were historically used by reservoir operators and still hold functioning operational equipment for the reservoir that will need to be protected. Recognizing the rich history of the reservoir and gatehouses, DEP endeavors to convert the North and/or South Gatehouse into a multipurpose space for the public to interact with and learn about the history of New York City’s water supply.