Westcott Reservoir

The Westcott Reservoir is a 110 million gallon (41,580 m³) reservoir serving the City of Syracuse, New York. The reservoir's location would be outside the City limits but for a gerrymandering City border that reaches out and grabs it. An EPA grant in 2005 was to replace the deteriorated Hypalon lining; as of October 2005 the reservoir stands empty.

Recreation

An open grassy hillside descends from the reservoir all around, with the North end facing onto West Genesee St having the tallest and longest slope, popular for sledding in the winter. The reservoir is considered to be the best place for sledding in the entire Syracuse area.

Hang-gliders, when the sport was new, used to test fly off the North side although there is no safe direction to go; at least one hang-glider has been seriously injured upon ensnaring in power lines over West Genesee St.

Semi-flat areas along the West side are used for softball and other sports.

History

The reservoir was built in 1930.

In the 1960s and before, a flat grassy terrace that rings the reservoir about 15 feet below the top, became a popular hangout area. Marijuana was occasionally smoked with some impunity there, any law enforcement arriving would have a long steep climb and be seen from far above. A fence was erected just outside the ring roadway to prevent access around 1970. Unfortunately that also prevents use of the terrace by joggers and as a staging area for the sledding in winter.

External links

* http://www.city-data.com/picfilesv/picv2507.php has a picture from the South. The terrace ring is visible.
* http://newtimes.rway.com/1998/best1998/sports.htm Rated "Best Place to Sled" by a local newspaper.

ee also

* List of reservoirs and dams in New York
* Woodland Reservoir