Residents of Silver Lake can now safely stroll around the Silver Lake Reservoir. After years of planning and construction, the last 2/3 of a mile of the Silver Lake walking path from Armstrong Avenue to the dog park officially opened on December 20. Joggers, fitness walkers, people with dogs and mommies with strollers have all enjoyed walking around the reservoir. Now they can do it without worrying about cars on Silver Lake Blvd. The new crushed granite path completes the 2 mile circuit and makes for a much more pleasant way to get some fresh air and exercise.
Fans of architecture can take a peek at the Nuetra Colony on their way around the reservoir. This collection of modernist architecture designed by Richard Neutra is located near the intersection of Earl Street and Silver Lake Blvd.
The VDL Research house at 2300 Silverlake Blvd was Neutra's own home and was built using experimental materials. The original structure built in 1932 was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire in 1963. The property was left to Cal Poly Pomona to be preserved for public study and may be toured most Saturdays from 11-3 with admission going towards maintenance and repairs of the house.
The reservoir land directly across from the house used to be part of the lake itself. The odd shape of that southwest section of the reservoir was hard to keep fresh and as it was a source of drinking water at the time, the powers that be decided to fill it in and landscape it creating what is know today as "the meadow".
So what would be even better for residents of Silver Lake than the cool mid-century houses and a brand new walking path? How about opening The Meadow to the public? You bet- but you'll have to wait until the Spring or Summer for that. After 60 + years of being off-limits, that should certainly be worth the wait!
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Jenny, It sounds like a lovely walk and I'd enjoy seeing the architecture. I sure hope they do open it to the public--I'm surprised that it isn't.
Hi Carole- It really IS lovely. The reservoir is in the middle of a residential neighborhood and there are 5-6 acres of land in the Meadow. Some residents are concerned about protecting animal habitat and worry that too large of a park would change the neighborhood dynamic. I believe the plan is to open about 3 acres of the space from dawn to dusk. I really can't wait!
Jenny, I bet the residents are thrilled to finally get their walking path. How cool...
Paul - I went over there today to take a picture for my blog and couldn't believe just how many people are taking advantage of the new walkway. I did find myself confronted with a man and his son on bicycles, which I'm sure are NOT supposed to be on this path. Hopefully that will get straightened out soon enough. I really look forward to the opening of the Meadow in the Spring. I'll post more info when that happens.
Jenny: Thanks for this update. I'm going to have to head over there this week for a commerative walk. My dogs (3 black Labs) will love it!
Hey Michelle- you dogs will love it and I'm sure you will too! Wouldn't it be nice if we had a pretty park-like pedstrian path around the Rose Bowl?!