Westcott Reservoir

Reservoir in New York, US

The Westcott Reservoir was an open reservoir that has since been replaced by twin 32 million gallon tanks, serving the City of Syracuse, New York. The reservoir's location was originally outside the city limits but a shoestring annexation extended the city border to include it. A U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant in 2005 was to replace the deteriorated Hypalon lining; as of October 2005 the reservoir stood empty.

An open grassy hillside descends from the reservoir all around, with the north end facing onto West Genesee Street 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, despite the "No Sledding" signs posted along the fence at the top of the hill. On January 10, 2009, 12 year old Taylor Denson was sledding down the reservoir when she could not stop herself and slammed head first into a parked car. She sustained severe head injuries and died three days later. As a result, the city of Syracuse proposed that an orange fence be put up around the reservoir to further prohibit sledding, and to keep people safe. 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. Local schools, such as Westhill High School, often hold practices on the premises for cross Country.

The reservoir was built in 1930. In the 1960s and before, a flat grassy terrace that rings the reservoir about 15 feet (5 m) 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 in 1973. However, that also prevents use of the terrace by joggers and as a staging area for the sledding in winter. The area is also the site of illegal joyriding for local teenagers.