Waban Hill Reservoir
Guidebook Section: Other
Location
Get here by MBTA: Directions from end of Green Line: B Train
Other maps and aerial photos:
Bing
Newton Assessor
Nearby:
Newton Commonwealth Golf Course
Overview
A former MWRA reservoir on a hill overlooking Boston College. The land is being developed as a City of Newton park.
Size: 5 acres
Longest Walk: 0.4 miles
Acquired: 2015
Owner & Administrator Websites
Photo Gallery
First three photos shown here. Click a photo to view the complete slideshow or click here to browse the complete gallery.
History
1875
City of Newton purchased the site and began construction of the reservoir.
1900
City sold the reservoir to the Boston Metropolitan Water Board (predecessor of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority–MWRA).
2013
The MWRA declared the reservoir to be surplus. The site was offered to the City of Newton for purchase at a price that did not reflect the development potential of the land, provided that the City would dedicate the land as open space.
2015
Acquired by City of Newton using CPA funds, subject to conservation restriction held by Newton Conservators
For photos and more details see this history of the reservoir prepared by the Waterworks Museum.
Features
Scenic View
Additional Information
Newton Assessor’s Map ID: 63007 0001
History of the Waban Hill Reservoir
The Newton Community Preservation Program website has extensive information about the project.
Parks and Recreation Department head Robert DeRubeis described the project in the Conservators Spring 2015 Newsletter.
Newton Tab article: City takes back ownership of Waban Hill Reservoir (11/23/15)