Reservoir Park

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This land, the largest park in south-central Pennsylvania, and which crowns the city's summit, contrastingly complements Harrisburg's magnificent riverfront. Originally known as Prospect Hill because of its lofty vantage points, the name was changed to Reservoir Park when the first reservoir to be constructed here opened in 1874. Earlier, Harrisburg's principal reservoir was located just north of the Old Capitol on North Street. The addition of a standpipe on the Old Waterworks at Front and North Streets generated a stronger mechanical system to pump the city's water to a higher elevation from which it would flow by gravity to homes and businesses. By the late 1880's, land was cleared and cultivated around the park reservoir, which became a popular recreational destination. At the beginning of the 20th century, under the guidance of the Harrisburg League of Municipal Improvements, nationally renowned landscape architect Warren manning was retained to design major park improvements. The Park was expanded to its present size of 90 acres and additional reservoirs, tennis courts, picnic pavilions, a nine-hole golf course and an observation tower were developed.

More at: www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=6853