The New York herald., 1870-02-01
THE PARKS OF BROOKLYN
Their Cost and Pr0gress-Annual Report
Of the Park Commissioners.

Yesterday afternoon the annual report Of the PARK
Commissioners OF Brooklyn was submitted to the
Common Council. 1t is very lengthy document,
covering thirty-sx pages OF foolscap. The report
commences by aluding to the awards made for the
recent acquisition OF land 70 the western angle Of
Prospect Park amounting to 7o5 24S which, 1t is
held, was the result OF Iair examination OF the
claims Of the parties interested. After congratulate
ing the public upon the improvements In Brooklyn,
past and prospective the question OF Is
discussed.
On reference to the assessment rolls OF the city
property they fnd that since the commencement Of
active operations there has been added to the tax
list the large amount OF s77,2S2 40, the Board
Of Assessors having felt themselves justified by
its very obvious increase in adding twenty five per
cent for the year 1862 The amount OF such pro-
perty now $3.50 os4, ITO, while in the rural dis
lrcts Is 1898, making tho total amount now
standing the assessors books e2oS 4S3 043; $32
s20O5o Of this money mas arisen In the wards imme
oiately surrounding the Park including the town OF
Flatbush, thereby increasing the ctys income nearly
ST. 900.
On the question Of boundaries they could not
satisfy themselves that the land which they had
taken was all that necessary, and, least Of all,
that the ground east OF Fatbush avenue, In c0nse-
quence OF its isolated and disointed character could
be made to harmonlze In any toleraole degree with
the fine park land on the other side. They consc.
quenty proceeded to mature plan for the extension
of the Park In direction in which land was cheaper
ana fortunately better adapted to park purposes,
while it took nothing from our own taxable pro-
perty. Their report on tnis plan was printed and
extensively circulated, and met with hearty ap-
proval. Being satisfied with the favorable express
sion OF the public thus obtained the Commissioners
applied to the Legislature for the additional terri
farv rad a he mi
to sell so much OF the land the side OF Flat
bush avenue as was not embraced in the plan, in
order that they might have means to pay for what
they proposed TO annex the other side. They OBJ
tanned portion OF tha land required, but, much to
their regret they refused the rty acres which
they most desired. They were also refused permis-
sion to SELL though 1t had received the approval Of
the Senate and is believed to have Influenced that
body in the passage OF BILL Tor Park extension
passed the same day.
The Commissioners are convinced OF the propriety
In consequence Of the extended financial obliga-
tons OF the CITY, Of making fresh disposition OF
the land on the east side OF the avenue IN order that
it may be sold under their direction, In way which
proachcs from the north aud east but VIII at the
same add largely TO the value OF property IN
During the past season the Commissioners have
pushed forward the work OF construction upon all
the parks under their control with as much rapdtty
as practicable. the whole area under treatment
thus 352 in Prospect Park aud 10 acres IN
Washington Park-25o acres OF the iormer parx con.
sistinQ or woodland, shrupbery and meadows with
Intervening roads, walks, &C., complete. The fnest
drive extends over space OF i've miles In length,
and the pridle paths are OF an equal distance, with
four additional miles III progress.
Tompkina Park has been recently placed under
he control OF the Board but no provision has been
MADE for It's improvement. They trust that autho.
rlty win be given them by the present Legislature
to raise money SUFFICIENT 10 perfect the park In
style corresponding with the small parks OF this
city The parade ground is now in complete order;
substantial shelter house with suitable accommo-
vnn haor nnyf fnNf Mt hA
with wings extended TO tho distance OF slxtJ-fonr
feet ON eacn side. ! q y
tho Improvement OF City Park, which Is be-
coming less frequentsd as pleasure ground
every day, as the superior advantages OF
Washington Park are being developed. The dis
cusslon OF the best method OF fitting up City Park
~ o place " amusement caRnot % rssuu0d 10