REDLANDS >> Crews worked Tuesday to fill in the inoperable reservoir near Prospect Park, known to some as Skater Crater.
Dirt from the stockpile near the Redlands Municipal Airport was hauled in Tuesday morning to fill the reservoir, near Cajon Street and Prospect Drive.
The reservoir was once used to provide water to city-owned groves but has been inoperable for decades.
The 1-acre area will be turned into a citrus grove as it is adjacent to an already existing grove.
The City Council in July approved a $115,100 contract with Ames Construction Inc. to haul the dirt to the reservoir as part of the Prospect Park Reservoir Fill Dirt Hauling and Repurposing Project. About $77,000 in fill dirt was donated to the project.
The Citrus Preservation Commission in March made the recommendation to fill in the reservoir.
The Quality of Life Department has received complaints of vandalism, graffiti, loitering, illegal dumping as well as drug and alcohol use in and around the reservoir.
Over the years, Redlands’ youth have been known to hang out at the reservoir with friends. The graffiti backdrop has even been used for student portraits.