Exploring New York : Kensico Dam
July 29th, 2018 by Mr. C
(Kensico Dam Plaza – base…how low can you go!)
(Kensico Reservoir – view on top of the dam)
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On Saturday, we went on a quick excursion to a location about 30 miles north of NYC that has to be seen in person in order to believe the enormity and seriousness of this astonishing structure that was solely designed to hold back water. The design of the Kensico Dam and the park grounds is simply breathtaking. When you drive up to Kensico Dam Plaza, you’re like damn (sorry, pun intended), what is this the Great Wall of China in Westchester or some kind of fortress of some-sorts?
(Kensico Dam Plaza )
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Just a quick history of the dam – as the population of NYC grew, the water supply demand also needed to grow. Before the Kensico Dam, the old croton dam and eventually the new Croton Dam (built in 1906) / Croton Reservoir were created to supply a system of reservoirs designed to bring water from Putnam and Westchester Counties to New York City.
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While the population of NYC kept on growing feverishly, the construction of a new masonry dam in 1915 was needed. It replaced the old Kensico dam, and expanded the water supply by bringing water from the Catskill Mountains over a distance of more than 100 miles. The Kensico reservoir serves mainly to store the waters received from the Catskill Mountains west of the Hudson River.
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(Kensico Dam Plaza – looks like this area may be a large ice skating rink in the winter?)
(on the Plaza looking out into the Park)
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So on this morning, my friend Kurt wanted to do an up at his favorite park/recreational location in the Tri-state area called Kensico Dam and I tagged along for the ride. Kurt has been telling me about Kensico Dam since the late 90s and basically I’ve been telling myself, what’s the big deal? Now I understand the dealio and how peaceful, awe-inspiring, & potentially damaging this space can be. It can also be training grounds for a serious workout if you decide to do a few loops up and down the steps to the top of the dam and then back down. Rinse then repeat! Did I also mention that this park and the parking is free!? The view on top of the dam is tremendous. One side is the view of the reservoir and the other side overlooks the Plaza, the 9/11 Memorial, and the Park. After the events of September 11, 2001 the road running across the top of the Kensico Dam was closed indefinitely for fear of an attempt to destroy the dam. A breach of the dam would mean a diminished water supply to New York City and the flooding of many communities in Westchester. On September 11, 2005, a 9/11 memorial was erected to honor the 109 residents of Westchester that lost their life on 9/11. In May of 2012, the road on top of the Kensico Dam was reopened for bike and pedestrian traffic only.
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The Kensico Dam structure is just a very impressive work of art & marvelous study of engineering on display! The stonework & masonry is just simply stunning!
The grounds of the park also contains a touching tribute to the 109 victims of 9/11 that lived in the Westchester area. The base of “The Rising” 9/11 memorial contains the name of Westchester residents killed on that day.
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The park also provides a hip canvas of activities which includes ethnic celebrations, concerts, antique shows, arts and craft fairs, as well as areas for picnicking, skating, jogging, walking, and nature study. I’ve even heard that the fireworks on display on July 3rd to celebrate the 4th of July is something to marvel at as well! I’ll have to remember to get back here for the fireworks show one of these years!
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Kensico Dam
1 Bronx River Parkway Rd
Valhalla, NY 10595-2112
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(The march up the steps to the top of kensico dam!)
(Views on top of the Kensico Dam!)
(the Rising – 9/11 Memorial in the distant)
(dreamy views of the Kensico Reservoir from top of the dam)
(The Rising – 9/11 Memorial that pays respect to the 109 residents of Westchester lost in 9/11)
(more dreamy views of the reservoir)
(beautiful willow trees)
(Park joggers and dogs milling about!)
Tags: kensico dam, kensico dam plaza, new york state, valhalla, westchester new york
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