“Want to see a real hidden gem?” Ward Reservoir Number 5 offers serenity just 20 minutes west of downtown Denver. It is also known as Riviera Lake. This spot blends urban life with mountain adventures.
Ward Reservoir Number 5 boasts a rich history dating back to the 1880s. It was originally Ward Lake #2. Later, it became Ward Reservoir #5. The reservoir was one of ten built to store water. The water came from Bear Creek. It irrigated ranch and farm lands in what is now Lakewood and Southwest Denver.
In the 1950s, real estate developer Lou Carey renamed it Riviera Lake. He wanted to promote his lakeside community of custom homes. These homes are often passed down through generations. Several homes are owned by descendants of the original homeowners. This ensures Riviera Lake’s legacy lives on.
William S. Ward and Panthea M. Kendrick claimed water from Bear Creek in 1883. They planned to take water near Morrison. It would travel via Ward Ditch. The water would then reach a system of ten reservoirs. This system would irrigate 5000 acres. A map from that time identifies our lake as Ward Lake #2 constructed in 1883.
By 1889, Ward Lake #2 had been renamed Ward Reservoir #5. Its storage capacity had increased. It went from 150 to 216 acre feet. Its surface area was 25 acres. The depth was nine feet. Ward Reservoir #5 was for storing water. Uses included domestic, agricultural, manufacturing, mining, milling, and sanitary purposes.
Jazz conductor Paul Whiteman bought a ranch in 1924. He built a house for his parents. By the 1930s, two widows claimed ownership of the reservoir. They were Julia Merritt and Nellie Hurt. The Whiteman property eventually owned the reservoir. The boathouse built by the Whitemans still stands. It is the only boathouse allowed on Riviera Lake.
Riviera Circle Lake Club formed in 1955. It was part of the Harvey Park development. Arthur “Tex” Harvey developed Harvey Park. He was an oilman and Denver businessman. Thirty-seven custom ranch-style homes were built around Riviera Circle Lake in the late 1950s.
In the 1960s and 1970s, families enjoyed the lake. HOA activities included boat regattas, water skiing, and lake Olympics. They also had cross-lake tug of wars. These events created a close community. The RCLC began its annual fireworks party tradition. It takes place on the last Saturday in August.
Today, Ward Reservoir Number 5 is a 16-acre lake loved by anglers. They come for largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and more. It is truly a place where history and recreation meet. A perfect blend for everyone to enjoy.