Originally constructed in 1917 to commemorate the building of the Ashokan Reservoir and New York City's first water tunnel, the fountain is rarely in operation.
The Reservoir's Fountain is Flowing.
However, during the summer of 2010, the Reservoir's fountain is back in action thanks to the efforts of the Central Park Conservancy. Fully restored and modernized to recycle the water already in the Reservoir, the fountain will flow through the entire summer and be turned off when the colder weather commences.
An iconic Central Park figure, the fountain remained dormant until 1998 when it was reactivated and repaired to commemorate New York City's third water tunnel. Then in 2003, it was once again brought to life in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Central Park. However, since that time its use has been infrequent.
But now, all summer long, visitors to the park can bask in the fountain's spurting waters.