What’s With The Rowena Reservoir?
The Rowena Reservoir sits just north of the Silver Lake Reservoir in Silver Lake. As you can see by the above picture, the landscaping is beautiful – overflowing with palm trees, wide paths for walking, waterfalls, and gorgeous plants.
Sitting behind a fence, the reservoir (or “fantasy island” as local residents refer to it as) sits just out of reach – a tease to those of us who would love nothing more than to sit beside it one lazy sunny afternoon. So what is the deal with this “oasis” in the city?
In the late 80s, the LADWP started plans to cover up the reservoir to protect it from sunlight and vandals, but the local residents revolted – since they were the ones who had to look at it every day they figured it should at least look nice. Work continued into the 90s, but eventually their plan came to fruition: the Rowena Reservoir was a sparkling gem in the middle of the neighborhood, but it was hidden behind a fence, off limits to just about everyone.
To add insult to injury, the reservoir isn’t even operational. It stopped functioning in 1992 – the 10 million gallon tank is buried underneath the park. The $14 million spent to beautify the reservoir now just seems like a waste. If people can’t get up close to enjoy it, why did they even bother?
The reason? The high voltage electrical equipment surrounding the park and the possibility of people jumping into the water. Rumors have swirled that one day the park might be opened up to the public if they could come up with a suitable plan to prevent both of these things from occurring, but as of now that hasn’t happened. As soon as it does, though, I’ll be one of the first ones there. So until then, fingers crossed.
If you know of any news on the possible opening of the Rowena Reservoir, please let us know in the comments!
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11 Responses to “What’s With The Rowena Reservoir?”
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Weird.
very weird! i really wish we could get in there and walk around. maybe some day.
I can’t believe that picture was taken in Silver Lake! I probably drive past that Rowena / Hyperion intersection all the time and have never taken a second glance and what lies behind that fence. Is there any legal way to enjoy this sight?
i know! it’s really amazing how nice it is – but frustrating too. as far as i know, there is no legal way to enjoy it. i hope that changes though!
Hipsters can’t enjoy their hipster reservoir.
They will revolt with a collective groan of “meh.”
Shocking… you mean the government absolutely wasted tens of millions. I can’t believe it.
the neighbors probably also oppose opening this. they wouldn’t want the neighbors in the lower flats below them “invading” their peaceful oasis. after all, the money spent was to preserve their view….it was not just on a whim by the ladwp.
the “lake” is probably only 1 feet deep.
Boston’s counterpart to Silver Lake, Jamaica Plain, has Jamaica Pond, which off limits to swimming, however access to the shore is allowed 24/7 and people jumping in is rarely a problem.
a) Why, oh why in the State of California is it such a problem for people to swim in a reservoir? Other states allow it, and I can’t see what the problem or danger is, put a few life gaurds to work, and post times when swimming can happen and you have an amazing community resource. There are reservoirs in this state where it is perfectly acceptable to drive motor boats but wherein swimming is forbidden. This makes no sense to me. Boats leak gasoline and that’s dirtier than people.
b) Even with a swimming prohibition, why would the park not be open for public use. It is maintained by tax dollars, and belongs to the people.
c) Not an operational reservoir? As in the water there, isn’t even being used? Southern California continually goes through water shortages and what not but we have reservoirs that are full, but not operational…yeah.
In closing, this is just frustrating. Why does it seem more and more, that being an adult in a “free” country doesn’t really get you much.
Brandon – many good points. Thanks for commenting.