Reservoir Park

Reservoir Park is a 32-acre space with gravel paths that loop around a man-made reservoir and pass numerous benches along the way. The granite Principal Gatehouse with Greek and Renaissance Revival features marks the main entrance to the grounds.

The reservoir was built in 1848 as the endpoint of the Cochituate Aqueduct, which brought water from Lake Cochituate to Boston. This engineering project was a major advancement for water delivery to the growing city during the 1800s.

The Principal Gatehouse displays Renaissance Revival and Greek architectural features that represent early American approaches to public works design. Visitors can observe the craftsmanship in the wrought iron details and decorative elements throughout the space.

The park is open daily and accessible by the Route 51 bus or by parking on nearby side streets. The grounds are best explored on foot, with the perimeter path providing a clear walking route around the entire reservoir.

The Principal Gatehouse contains the oldest surviving public wrought iron stairs in the United States. These steps showcase early American craftsmanship and metal working techniques from the industrial era.

Location: Massachusetts

GPS coordinates: 42.32639,-71.13667

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:02