Waterfall In NYC? Yes: It's Flowing Again After Years Thanks To Columbia University

For the first time in seven years, the Morningside Park waterfall in Manhattan resumed flowing on Friday, Oct. 4 during an event held by the New York City's Department of Parks & Recreation and Columbia University. 

The waterfall flows down a rock wall into the park's pond, which was built in 1989 in a space meant for a planned Columbia gymnasium. After student protests halted this plan, the pond was put in place, complete with a waterfall powered by pumps. 

However, these mechanisms failed around seven years ago, stopping the waterfall's flow. This also led to the pond becoming a "hotbed" for algae blooms, which pose a health risk to pets and children and thrive in the summer heat, Columbia officials said. 

After years without a waterfall except for short testing periods, Columbia faculty from the Climate and Engineering Schools and community members commenced a restoration project to fix it once and for all. 

To do this, project leader and Professor Adrian Brügger led an effort to repair the water pumps. As part of the repair, engineering students Sophia Hann, Erica Kyle, and Angelina Wu as well as senior laboratory engineer Amos Fishman-Resheff designed a state-of-the-art motor controlled letting the parks department regulate the water flow and track the pumps' health. 

The restoration effort also includes a drone that will be flown across all New York City parks to detect algal blooms and natural water springs. 

Columbia University Interim President Katrina Armstrong said the school is "very proud" of the initiative that saved the waterfall. 

"Their work underscores Columbia’s commitment to research and scholarship that engages local partners, strengthens the capacity of local government, and improves the experiences of our neighbors in Morningside Heights and across upper Manhattan," Armstrong said.

"The sound of the waterfall is almost magical, drawing people into this scenic landmark park," added New York City Parks Borough Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. 

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