Williamsbridge Oval
Aerial View – Approx. 1920
Original Reservoir Plan
Williamsbridge Oval has not only become the beating heart of Norwood, it has also come to be the defining feature of the community. Norwood, encapsulated itself by Mosholu Parkway, Woodlawn Cemetery and the Bronx Botanical Gardens, surrounds the base of the former Reservoir. To reach the highest elevation in Norwood, one must climb a considerable hill to reach what used to store much of the Bronx’s water supply. Manhattan and the surrounding suburbs in the late 1800’s experienced unforeseen explosions in population.
To supply the city’s increasing water consumption, the original Croton Aqueduct was constructed in 1842 bringing fresh water from Croton Lake, over 41 miles north of the city. In 1880, the city realized local water sources were becoming polluted and inadequate as the Croton Aqueduct was now operating at capacity of 95 million gallons a day. Concern of how the city would supply adequate water was growing and in 1880 the city agreed to increase aqueduct infrastructure.
Plans for the new, 120 million gallon, 20-acre Williamsbridge Reservoir were proposed and agreed upon by the mid 1880’s. On May 1, 1887 the City of New York acquired the current property from Montefiore Medical Center. It was initially planned to be the site of the newly formed Medical Center. The new reservoir was to be 925 feet long by 525 feet wide, with a depth of over 46 feet. The reservoir would be linked with the upstate Kensico Dam 15 miles north via a 48-inch diameter cast iron pipe. George W. Birdsall, the chief engineer of the aqueduct that was to bring the water into the new reservoir also designed the Keeper’s house on the northern edge. This new reservoir would suffice until the city’s need for water exceeded the ability of the aqueduct system.
Williamsbridge Reservoir 1909
In 1906, the adjacent and massive Jerome Park Reservoir was completed to serve the New Croton Aqueduct. Construction of the contiguous New Croton Aqueduct, eventually rendered the Williamsbridge Reservoir obsolete in 1919. The reservoir was kept operational for additional years to serve as a backup. It quickly became a frequent source for residents to swim in as it was close, convenient, and clean. Eventually in 1934, the reservoir was no longer needed to supply water and the city transferred ownership to the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Parks Commissioner at the time, Robert Moses, backed a plan to convert to sides of the basin into a dual amphitheater seating over 100,000 people. Moses also incorporated a swimming section and track and field stadium at opposing ends. Residents rejected his plan as they believed the “gathering of large and noisy crowds would seriously impair and the efficiency and usefulness” of nearby Montefiore Hospital according to the Parks Department. Plans were revised to contain a running track encircling a football field and create a broad promenade at the top of the walls. In September of 1937, Williamsbridge Oval opened to the public with new grounds and a new recreation building.
1936 Construction
1936 Construction
The location is named after a former 18th century resident, John Williams. He is reported to have built the first crossing over the Bronx River from his sprawling farm on the east bank. Continual renovations, the most recent being a $499,000 uplift in 1996, ensure that residents have a safe and updated place to escape and spend time in.
Recreation Center built in 1937
Williamsbridge Oval Today
Incredible Resources:
http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/williamsbridgeoval/history
http://www.bronxmall.com/norwoodnews/past/11499/features/page2.html
