The New York herald., 1868-06-07
THE WASHINGTON PARK IMPROVEMENT.
CONNIE nc ement Of the Work and Design
Thereof.

Thereof.
Since the passage OF the act by the Legislature OF
1867 giving the Prospect Park Commissioners full
control over the management OF the parks located
within the limits Of the city OF Brooklyn, heretofore
under the care OF the Common Council marked
and highly creditable and advantageous improve
ment has been evinced In the general aspect OF these
public pleasure grounds. Carroll Park South Brook.
Iyn, has undergone thorough reuvenating manipu-
Iation under the hands of the skilled gardener The
walks there have been renovated, drainage facli.
ted, trees trees trimmed. hedges planted flower
beds laid out In artistic FORMS and a that can tend
10 make this hitherto much neglected little park
most desirable place OF resort FOR the residents of that
neighborhood has recently been accomplished under
the supervision OF Mr. James ;. T. Strannahan and
the other members of the Board OF Park Commits
eioDers.
Columns from time TO tne that IL remains but TO be
said that this great undertaking IL progressing slow
ly but surely towards the high niche In point ofrepu
taton On the tower of fame which for artificial and
engineering skill combined win the peculiar natural
advantages of location must be awarded II.
On Monday last the work OF breaking the nrst
ground for the Improvement OF Fort Greene, or
Washington Park, was commenced. This park Is
bounded by Myrtle and De Kalb avenues and Cumber-
land and Canton Streets and is therefore located In
most central and thickly settled section OF BROOKLYN
The ground is mainly elevated above the adjoining
land rising In parts 30 considerable that the sur
rounding buildings are overlooked ana most excei-
lent view s aorded OF the East river and the Lower
denzens Of the surrounding habitations look about
their premises In vain for cool current OF air. the
refreshing sea breeze that can almost always be
found ON the higher levels Of Fort Greene, woos them
hither. Yet Notwithstanding all these advantages
which this historic ground possesses az place OF
popular recreation for the residents OF that part oil
The city it was not properly kept; indeed II was de-
cldedy neglected until II came under the fostering
care OF the Commissioners who recognizing the I'M
portance and propriety OF regulating 80 desirable
spot and converting 1t Into more inviting place OF
resort for the people, sought for some appropriate
design for carrying out their views. Last septembera
plan was finally decided upon designed by promi-
nent firfn OF New York landscape architects upon
winch the work has just been inaugurated. The
ground to be improved is over thirty acres In extent
and the surface which is OF a raised character sug
gcsts more complete and interesting arrangement
Of accommodations for popular recreation than
can often be attempted, in the public squares
son OF the architects, II fs altogether TOO
testftea to be properly laid out as park ~ ls IN.
,ehden wat the lowest ground in the angle between
Myfc avenue and Canton street shall be lalJ ou as
paCe ioI pubIc assembiages. This ~ deslfaDie
~ .ne iact o. its being readily accessible from me
snt,in.e populated parts Of the city and Offers
snstoil,y mise area Of surface that Will require
Comparatively lile alteration 10 make II available.