Silver Lake Reservoir

Silver Lake resident Dion Neutra -- an architect who trained under his father, the famed Richard Neutra -- stands at a fence that he wants taken down so the public has access to the reservoir. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Feb. 15, 2014 10:25 AM PT

Last year, when a national magazine called Silver Lake the country’s second-best big-city neighborhood, it listed the reservoir as one of the area’s main perks.

The infatuation with Silver Lake Reservoir isn’t new. In 1907, shortly before Silver Lake got its first fill-up, The Times, in a story headlined “STUPENDOUS,” predicted it would become the city’s finest body of water and “a favorite resort for pleasure seekers.” (Robbin Goddard / Los Angeles Times)

Silver Lake resident Dion Neutra has a series of ideas for the surrounding park and lake. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

In 2008, the reservoir was drained because of bromate contamination. (Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

The prospect of re-imagining an L.A. landmark has sparked a rush of ideas for the Silver Lake Reservoir. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

People drive in from nearby neighborhoods to use the area around the Silver Lake Reservoir. Orlando Tirado practices his balance by jumping rope on a concrete wall next to the water. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

Joggers and walkers make use of the 2.2-mile path around the Silver Lake Reservoir. (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)

In 2013, when a national magazine called Silver Lake the country’s second-best big-city neighborhood, it listed the reservoir as one of the area’s main perks. (Robbin Goddard / Los Angeles Times)

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Silver Lake Reservoir

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