Reservoir (Reservoir Quadrant)
The Reservoir, which covers a large area of Central Park from east to west and from 86th Street to 96th Street, was constructed between 1858 and 1862. It is probably best known for the 1.58 mile track surrounding it, where thousands of runners tone up every day. The Reservoir itself (officially named the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in 1994) contributes significantly to the environmental pleasure of the exercise, particularly in the summer when water evaporation from its surface cools the air. The 106-acre water body is 40 feet deep and holds over a billion gallons of water. It is still under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Although it no longer distributes fresh water to Manhattan residents, its overflow is critical for providing fresh water to the Pool, Loch, and Harlem Meer — the series of connecting water bodies in the northern part of the Park.
Boathouse (Great Lawn Quadrant)
With their 1858 landscaping plan under construction, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux began adding architectural features to their Park design. Around 1874, Vaux designed a two-story boathouse at the eastern end of the Lake. Visitors could purchase refreshments, take boat rides, and watch other boats. When this wooden Victorian structure with sloping mansard roof burned down, the current Loeb Boathouse took its place in the 1950s.
Sheep Meadow (South End Quadrant)
Sheep Meadow today is a 15-acre, lush, green meadow for relaxing and admiring one of New York City's greatest skyline views.
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