Rowena Reservoir, a six-acre park that sits between Los Feliz and Silver Lake, has been closed to the public for almost two decades. Since access to the lush park is restricted and can only be seen from the outside, the space has been dubbed by residents as “Fantasy Island.” 

The private park, which consists of a large artificial lake, man-made waterfalls, and expansive green areas, is located at Hyperion Avenue and Rowena Street and is owned by the Department of Water and Power (DWP). The reservoir was originally built in 1901, but it was emptied in 1991 after health officials ruled the water too hazardous.

Since then, the DWP spent $14 million renovating the space by installing 10 million gallons of underground storage while remaking the space in 2001. Unfortunately, chlorination levels and electrical equipment prevented the reservoir from actually being open as a public park.

DWP Chief Operating Officer Marty Adams recently told the LA Times that even though there are still “some hazards,” opening the reservoir to the public is possible. The area would need to undergo thorough study and testing, while ensuring the integrity of the underground water storage, before it could be converted into a real park. 

Rowena Reservoir is overseen by the City Council in District 4, but many think neighborhood councils in Los Feliz and Silver Lake should consider making the reservoir an available public space.