Robert C.
Yelp
Saw this reservoir 2.2 miles away from atop Rockefeller Center 2 years ago. Went to the Museum of New York City on 96th street by subway. Came out and walked first through the Conservatory Gardens, and then walked a ways before the trees opened up and what a sight: a vast sea of water with skyscrapers in a distance.
I've never been to Chicago but I thought about posting my pictures, titling it as Chicago skyscrapers alongside Lake Michigan. Nobody would know the difference!
The reservoir used to be called Central Park Reservoir, a barbed wire fence with a dirt trail around it, and was for a time a source of water for the city. Problem was that bottled water saying "Central Park Reservoir" did not sell well. Not enough panache.
When Jackie died in 1994, they renamed it after her, but of course had to make the reservoir decent looking, as befitting her name. The barbed wire fence was replaced by ornamental iron gating, and the trail was cleaned up and compacted with gravel.
Today you still can't get water titled "Jacqueline Onassis Reservoir", unlike JO perfume, and other substances named after the former first lady. The reservoir is decommissioned, and is no longer a source of water for the city. Good thing, as I just saw a goose poop in the water. No dogs, as they don't want dogs contaminating the water, just in case.
Today the 1.58 mile trail surrounds the lake, going alongside. Wide enough to easily fit a service truck. Signs say "No bikes, no dogs, no strollers, no skateboards, and no rollerblades". We see at least one stroller, and guess that none of New York's finest is going to give a lady pushing a stroller a citation!
Check out the background building for "Ghostbusters". You do not want to get lost here at night! A sure way to get acquainted with former inhabitants of Riker's Island!
We head south, walking alongside the reservoir on the trail, staying out of the way of the many runners practicing for the New York marathon. On racing tracks and bicycling tracks you always go counter clock wise, just like horse racing. A sign which says "Walk Counter Clock wise" They going to cite me for going clockwise? Just DWA!