The Reflecting Pond originally served as the warming dam for the Ivyside Park Swimming Pool. The freshwater pool was fed by Spring Run, and the cold spring water was warmed in the warming dam before entering the pool. The warming dam, originally 15 feet deep, was partially filled in after Ivyside Park was purchased for the Altoona Undergraduate Center, Penn State Altoona's original name. The reflecting pond is less than two feet deep today and serves as a focal point for the college, as well as a source of recreation for students who enjoy canoeing in the spring and ice skating in the winter.