Since that time, a mini-ecosystem has taken root behind the thick, 20-foot tall stone walls: trees, wildflowers, swans, great blue heron, peregrine falcons, and at the center a 6-acre (2.4 ha) lake.

The reservoir reopened on September 17, 2024; the only entrance is on Howie Fink Wy in the middle of the block.

[7][8] The Jersey City Reservoir Preservation Alliance, started in 2002, runs the maintenance and supervision programs necessary to keep the park open to the public every Saturday from May–October.

The Alliance also runs summertime programming in arts, music, and recreation to bring new and returning community members to the space.

[11] The project has encountered several setbacks, including the discovery of contaminated soil and resistance from preservationists.