The Parque de la Reserva is a park located in downtown Lima, in Peru. Built in an irregular shape, it is located between two of the city's principal streets, the Paseo de la Republica expressway and Arequipa Avenue.
History
It has an area of eight hectares and is built in a neo-classical style. It was designed by the French architect Claude Sahut and is home to many sculptures built by Peruvian artists. Before construction, the land on which it is located belonged to the nearby Park of the Exposition before the area between 28 de Julio Avenue and Larrabure y Unanue Street was built over. In 1926 construction was commenced as ordered by the president Augusto B. Leguía. It was named of the Reserve in honor of the last soldiers who fought in the Battle of San Juan and Chorrillos, and the Battle of Miraflores. The park was completed in 1929.
The Magic Water Tour, inaugurated July 26, 2007, currently comprises the property of the Park of the Reserve. The project was initially criticized because of its costs and design, and that it constituted a complete renovation of a historically significant park. Additionally, others objected the charging of entrance fees to a public place. Proceeds from this entrance fee were once being used to renovate the Municipal Theatre of Lima, which has since been reopened. By March 1, 2008, the tour received its two millionth visitor. The Magic Water Tour is currently the world record holder for the largest fountain complex in the world, consisting of 13 distinct fountains, many of which are interactive. All of the fountains are lighted at night, many with continuously changing color schemes. The largest fountain in the Park of the Reserve, named "Magic Fountain" contains a jet which forces water to a height of over 80 m. Additional attractions are the Tunnel Fountain of Surprises, a 35 m walk-thru tunnel of water ; the Children's Fountain, a walk-in automated fountain; and a tunnel connecting the two sections of the park which contains an exhibition highlighting recent public works projects in Lima. The Fantasia Fountain, site of a regularly scheduled laser and picture show, is 120 m in length and contains jets that are synchronized to music. A video showcase of the fountains, in Spanish can be found
