A popular spot for graduation photos won’t be camera-ready this weekend, or for most of the summer, while its underground hardware receives a make-over.
The fountain at the Ashokan Reservoir will be shut off while the hydropower equipment beneath it is upgraded, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today.
The DEP said the shutdown was needed while the New York Power Authority (NYPA) "updates the control mechanisms on the the two hydropower turbine units." Installed in 1982, these units produce 4,700 kilowatts of electrical power for surrounding electrical grids.
While work is being done underground, the 5-acre park area surrounding the fountain will stay open. However, a fence has been installed around immediate work area and warning signs have been posted.
The fountain should be up and running again around Aug. 15, the DEP said.
