The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1876-02-07
PROPOSED PENINSULA PARK.
A Proposition worthy or Consider
LHE alton.

A Proposition worthy o. COusiuer- /
rIC, 3 alton.
Editors OF the Register:
On last Sunday, the 30th ult, in COM
pany with a friend, took walk to the
Peninsula via the new city bridge, and
while there observed quite number of
stakes drived and upon inquiry was in
formed that the whole of the ground had
been laid out in streets and alleys, which
were shortly to be dedicated as an addi-
ton TO the city of Wheeling. As land
speculation we have no doubt that 1t will
prove a financial success and our great
regret at seeing this desirable ground in
every way so admirably adapted for
park, used for such purposes is the coca
sion of the inHiction Of this comrndni-
cation. --..-t. .ar a. r.
That portion of the Peninsula, exclu-
slve of the cemetery is beautifully I'M
dulating, presenting every variety OF
surface and form and in such charming
diversity that the most casual observer
would be attracted by its great natural
beauty. The view from the National
Road gives no conception of its attrac-
tiveness, for, from such an elevated posi-
ton it misleads one into the belief that
its surface is rather uniform and mono
tonous. 1 know of no place in our i'm
mediate vicinity about which there is so
little really known, which may be attri-
buted to its heretofore unaccessibility,
and even anyone who is used to the
beaten track between the two bridges
does not get anything like a proper idea
of its extent and variety. Entertaining
such an opinion we diVerged from the
path and took an extensive stroll over the
ground, constantly meeting fresh and
| pleasant changes of surface, some abrupt
and rugged, others so smoothly modulat-
ing as to be almost imperceptible-ln fact
a natural park with the exception
of the trees, which defect could in time
be easily remedied.
We are informed that there are about
rs acres (unoccupied by the cemetery
which could be made suitable for park.
Its natural advantages are certainly very
superior, surrounded as it is by fine
stream OF water. out of which, by the ex.
penditure of few hundred dollars in
building a dam, us extensive lake could
be made as there is in any park in the
country. The lower portion of the ground
could be used for pic-nics,
ball grounds, and all kinds of field sport,
besides having plenty of room left for
roads for fast driving. AT very little
expense routes of beautiful drives and
walks could be made, the ground being
| of such character as to require little or
no grading, and all the necessary mate
rials of stone and gravel for making
these roads and paths can be obtained
| from the bars and shores of the creek. If
the grounds were purchased (and be-
lieve they could be at a cost not
exceeding s30000) and the work
house removed there, so that the
labor of its inmates could be expended
under the direction of landscape gar
dener, they would soon be so changed
and beautified as to make it one of the
most charming and attracting parks in
the country. After the first outlay for
the purchase of this ground, the cost OF
| its maintenance and improvement would
be but trifing. In this economical man
ner it might take sometime to bring it to
ANYTHING like state of perfection, but
it could be made very pleasant place to
resort for health and pleasure the first
year of its purchase.
This is the last and only chance that
our smoke breathing, population has Of
acquiring place where they can inhale
the pure country air, enjoy the pictur-
esque rural scenery free from the dirt
and dust of the city. 1t is unnecessary
to c1pitiatc at any greater length upon
the benefits and advantages of Il park Tor
they are so plainly manifest not only in
contributing to the beauty and health of
our city but tho happiness and con-
tcntment of our citizens. We commend
this subject to the sttention of our citi
zens and ask an expression of views
through your columns. This is the year
for the Inauguration of any enterprise
that is noble and benifcent in its pur-
pose, and in no more fitting way could
we commemorate this Centennial than
by laying the foundation of a park,
which would be thing of beauty and a
| joy forever. Z. L, T.
|