Did you know that Silver Lake was once known as Fresh Pond? That’s right. This beautiful reservoir in Staten Island’s Silver Lake Park wasn’t always called Silver Lake. It was originally a spring-fed lake formed after the last ice age. Its name changed sometime in the mid-1800s. It’s named after Mark Silver a philanthropist who founded the Hebrew Free Burial Association. Many victims of the tragic 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire are buried in the cemetery the association established.
Silver Lake has a rich history. It wasn’t just a pretty face. In the 19th century it was a bustling place. A casino and saloon stood on its shores. Ice harvesting was a thriving business. People enjoyed boating and ice skating on its frozen surface. In fact Silver Lake even hosted the National Skating Amateur Championship races in 1897.
But times changed. As Staten Island’s population boomed people wanted more parks. Prominent writer John De Morgan advocated for turning the area into a park. He successfully lobbied the State Assembly. The Silver Lake Park Commission was created. Land around the lake was acquired. The transformation began in earnest.
In 1913 the lake was drained. It was converted into a reservoir. This was part of the city’s expanding water supply system. The water now comes all the way from the Ashokan Reservoir in Ulster County 119 miles away. The reservoir became the largest body of fresh water on Staten Island.
The park continued to evolve. In 1924 land from the old Marine Cemetery was added. This cemetery was used for burials of immigrants many escaping Ireland’s Great Famine. Thousands may lie beneath the 18th fairway of the Silver Lake Golf Course. This golf course opened in 1929. Tennis courts baseball fields and playgrounds soon followed. Silver Lake Park became a beloved recreational hub.
The reservoir stopped supplying drinking water in 1971. A massive underground storage tank system was built. Today the reservoir is part of that system’s drainage.
Silver Lake Park continues to be a cherished part of Staten Island. It’s a testament to the area’s history and a wonderful place for recreation and relaxation. It has evolved from a natural lake to a significant part of New York City’s infrastructure. Yet it still retains its charm. Enjoy this beautiful space a vital part of Staten Island’s identity.