By this time next year, the lower portion of the Balboa Reservoir will have begun its transformation into a housing development. These photos were taken over the previous year to document some of its life as a a rather scrappy and wild open space–used by people and animals–which will soon pass into history.
A walker on the berm taking a selfie in the setting sun. Balboa Reservoir, Apr 2020. Sunnyside History Project. Photo: Amy O’HairLooking west on the west berm. Balboa Reservoir, Aug 2020. Sunnyside History Project. Photo: Amy O’HairWalkers on the west berm. Balboa Reservoir, Sept 2019. Sunnyside History Project. Photo: Amy O’Hair
View of southwest corner. Balboa Reservoir, Sept 2019. Sunnyside History Project. Photo: Amy O’Hair
Amaryllis on the western edge. Balboa Reservoir, Aug 2020. Sunnyside History Project. Photo: Amy O’HairAmaryllis on the lower path. Balboa Reservoir, Aug 2020. Sunnyside History Project. Photo: Amy O’HairIce plant, purposely introduced in 1957 to keep down dust during excavation, still growing. Balboa Reservoir, Aug 2020. Sunnyside History Project. Photo: Amy O’HairOn the lower path, western edge. Balboa Reservoir, may 2020. Sunnyside History Project. Photo: Amy O’HairLong decayed tree. Balboa Reservoir, May 2020. Sunnyside History Project. Photo: Amy O’HairBalboa Reservoir, Oct 2020. Sunnyside History Project. Photo: Amy O’HairTwo additional chairs. Balboa Reservoir, Oct 2020. Sunnyside History Project. Photo: Amy O’HairThe covid-related closure of City College also closed the lower reservoir to cars. Balboa Reservoir, Apr 2020. Sunnyside History Project. Photo: Amy O’HairSan Ramon Way gate. Balboa Reservoir, May 2020. Sunnyside History Project. Photo: Amy O’HairOn the swing, north tree. Balboa Reservoir, June 2020. Sunnyside History Project. Photo: Amy O’HairFoggy view north on the west berm. Balboa Reservoir, July 2019. Sunnyside History Project. Photo: Amy O’HairFoggy view from southeast corner. Balboa Reservoir, May 2020. Sunnyside History Project. Photo: Amy O’HairSetting sun through the southwest tree. Balboa Reservoir, Aug 2020. Sunnyside History Project. Photo: Amy O’Hair
