While thousands of runners will race through the city on April 27 for the Kentucky Derby Festival mini/MARATHON, maybe you’re looking for a little slower pace. We’d love for you to help us kick off the first Walking Wednesday of the season on May 1.
Lace up your shoes and head to the Crescent Hill Reservoir. Stroll around the reservoir and if you wish, a Louisville Water employee will teach you about our history and the current role the reservoir has in the water treatment process. Guests are also invited inside the Crescent Hill Gatehouse to see its ornate architecture and discover its history.
“We love to use our facilities to tell the story of Louisville Pure Tap®, and the Gatehouse provides the perfect backdrop,” said Channa Newman, Community Relations Manager.
Walkers are encouraged to bring their cameras for these “Open House” events. New this year – Walking Wednesday is scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month through the fall from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.
- May 1
- June 5
- July 3
- August 7
- September 4
- October 2
The Crescent Hill Reservoir is located on Reservoir Avenue across from the Crescent Hill Water Treatment Plant on Frankfort Avenue. Just in time for Walking Wednesday, new improvements to the pedestrian crossing on Frankfort Avenue to the Reservoir aim to make it a little easier and safer to cross the street.
About Crescent Hill Reservoir & Gatehouse
The Crescent Hill Reservoir and Gatehouse have been landmarks in the Crescent Hill community since 1879. In 1876, Chief Engineer Charles Hermany chose a 110-acre plot of farmland in Crescent Hill for a new, 110-million-gallon reservoir to allow sediment to settle from the Ohio River water. The three-story gatehouse was modeled after a similar building Hermany saw along the Rhine River in Germany. The gatehouse contained the valves to control the flow of water in and out of the reservoir. When the reservoir opened in 1879, it provided an abundant supply of water, and the grounds quickly became a destination for families and visitors to the city. Louisville Water employed gatekeepers who would open and close large gates to allow visitors to stroll the grounds. Today, the reservoir is still part of Louisville Water’s operations and Hermany’s work remains intact. The original valves are inside the gatehouse and the area around the reservoir remains a popular place for walkers. The Crescent Hill Reservoir and Gatehouse were named Kentucky Historic Marker Sites in 2010.