Some Van Cortlandt Village residents claim they're missing out on a beautiful part of their neighborhood because the city won't allow them access.

The Jerome Park Reservoir has been fenced off to the public for years, but residents came together Sunday to demand access.

Activists at the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center say the reservoir could be a great outdoor area for people who live in the surrounding neighborhoods. Those neighborhoods include Kingsbridge, Kingsbridge Heights, Norwood, Van Cortlandt Village and Bedford Park.

The activists say the space could be used for recreational activities such as dog walking, and could also provide a place for kids to play.

Sources tell News 12 that in October, the Department of Environmental Protection said it would not allow public access to the reservoir. Instead, it would eventually provide pilot programs for students to visit the site and learn more about it.

Activists say the DEP plans are not enough, and they will continue to fight and hold more community board meetings until they get access.