NEW YORK — A temporary aquarium that emerged this summer in a puddle collected from a leaky fire hydrant has been filled in, disappointing local residents who had turned the area into a cherished gathering place and tribute to goldfish.

The Department of Environmental Protection had previously flagged the dripping hydrant as a safety issue. Workers filled in the muddy area holding the puddle early Friday, while yellow tape surrounded the newly laid concrete at the site of the repaired hydrant, giving it the appearance of a miniature crime scene.

“Oh my God,” exclaimed Sofia Talavera, 24, as she lifted her hands to her head in disbelief. “People really put in their time and resources to make this beautiful. This was genuinely the community coming together.”

Known as the Bed-Stuy Aquarium after its Brooklyn neighborhood, the make-shift pond formed when water collected around a tree bed due to the leaky hydrant. Community members added store-bought goldfish, transforming the area into an unexpected attraction.

From the outset, the pond had its share of controversy. Some residents were concerned about the fish’s well-being and chose to “rescue” them over the summer, which prompted disputes with others who insisted the fish were thriving, leading to restocking and surveillance of the pond.

With growing attention from the media and donations, enthusiasts expanded the site with signs, decorations, and seating options. A faux sign modeled after an official Parks Department sign declared “BEDSTUY AQUARIUM,” while a nearby telephone pole boasted painted goldfish against a blue backdrop.

Thanks to a listing on Google Maps, tourists could easily locate the pond. Two out-of-state visitors who arrived to see it expressed their intentions to share the experience with friends back home in Los Angeles.

“Now we have to break the news,” remarked Adam Aguilar, a visual artist, as his companion placed flowers and candles at an impromptu memorial for the pond.

The eventual removal of the fish had seemed likely given the Fire Department’s requirement for functioning hydrants. With winter approaching, officials fixed the hydrant earlier in the week, but locals quickly refilled the pond with water and fish. Social media captured tense interactions between residents and fire department personnel, often leading to police involvement during the cement work.

A statement from the Department of Environmental Protection indicated a desire to collaborate with the community to find a suitable new location for the beloved “gem,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining operational hydrants to avoid freezing and potential inoperability.

Officials confirmed that the remaining goldfish were safely captured and transferred to a bucket.

Some residents expressed hope that the aquarium could perhaps be relocated to a nearby community garden, while others dreamt of converting a nearby vacant storefront into a permanent indoor aquarium. However, those leading such possible ventures chose not to comment on the situation.

While commuting, Jon Frier, 28, casually asked his friends, “Does anyone have a jackhammer?” He attempted to sketch a goldfish in the wet concrete until warned away by an Environment Protection truck with a long horn, accompanied by a police vehicle.

“They can’t let us have anything, can they? I can’t believe Eric Adams,” he remarked, alluding to the city’s mayor.

Requests for comments from Adams’ media team went unanswered. City officials have historically battled or reached agreements with residents over the use of fire hydrants, which have been utilized for cooling off during hot summer days. Eventually, a compromise enabled residents to apply for permits for low-flow sprayers, installed by firefighters.

For Talavera, the closure of the aquarium signifies the end of a unique spot for late-night gatherings, one that, unlike city parks, remained open after hours.

Following the recent victory of the New York Liberty in the WNBA championship, she shared a blurry photo of the hydrant on Instagram, captioning it: “Last night was so awesome I had to go to the aquarium to celebrate.”