​Phase One construction is underway! Temporary fencing is in place to protect visitors while Kevin Cotter and his team from Glencar Water Gardens and Lighting construct a new pool shell and install the mechanical systems. Phase One will be completed before the end of 2022. Meanwhile, Stephen Miotto of Miotto Mosaic Art Studios will create mosaics that replicate the original design exactly, including the whimsical sea creatures. The mosaics will be installed during Phase Two in 2023.

The Schematic Design by Mark K. Morrison Landscape Architecture is complete, and the drawings have been submitted to the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) for approval.

Meanwhile, near the Persian Pool, the lilacs are in bloom and the air is scented with their perfume.

The Persian Pool restoration will take a significant step forward this year when we complete the long-awaited restoration of the Temple of the Sky, which sits above the pool and is the source of the water that flows into it. Thanks to major support from the City of Yonkers, restoration of the Temple of the Sky will begin in March and be completed before Mehregan in the fall. ​

On January 7, the Conservancy contracted with Mark K Morrison Landscape Architecture PC to create the schematic design and construction documentation for the Persian Pool. The design team made an exploratory site visit in October. Also present were Collado Engineering, Grigg and David Engineers, City of Yonkers Parks Commissioner Anthony Landi, and City of Yonkers Engineers.

Curtains of tiny white lights outline the ziggurat shape of the Persian Pool during the Grand Holiday Illumination in December. 

Today the supply and return lines were pressure tested and the drain was investigated. Meanwhile the leaves on the trees below the Persian Pool are turning glorious shades of yellow and red.