HistoryLink Tours

Two lily ponds flank the terrace along the west side of the Concourse. John Charles Olmsted suggested that fountains could be constructed at these locations to add an element of running water to the park. Instead, they were developed as aquatic plant features. The hedge was added after their original construction and it was replaced in 2003 when the ponds were restored.

Adjacent to the lily ponds, to the west, the Volunteer Park Trust has restored the planting beds with the generous support of the Peach Foundation. Given that the conifers growing in those beds have grown significantly since the park was established, the Olmsted planting plan was modified to accommodate increased shade. The plantings have brought back the multi-layered, massed planting effect of the original design. Once a decision has been made regarding the potential decommissioning of the reservoir, the Trust may explore the possibility of restoring the more formal planting beds below the Black Sun plinth.

Walk around the Lily Pond and head north, toward the Water Tower until you can see the Reservoir on your right.