The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1881-07-18
Proposed improvement
of Union Square.
How the work can be ac-
complished.
Plans suggested for the pro
posed Improvement.


i Union Park has remained in its presen
delapidated condition for several years al
though several attempts, to convert thai
square INTO park, in reality as well as in
name, have been made but so far without
results. The square remains in its pri1neva
state-a standing rebuke to the enterprise
of Rock Island citizens. With moderate
outlay of money this ground can be beau
| titled, walks laid out and other improve
/ ments made that win not only benefit the
citizens and their families, but will
produce a favorable impression ON the
many visitors and tourists who
pass through Rock Island during the sum-
| mer and earlier winter months.
MOVEMENT
is now on foot that has the appearance of
proving successful, and every public mind
ed citizen should feel called upon to assist
the movement and make this park place
of beauty and general benefit.
Mr.. r. Champion and W. jackson have ag-
itated the matter of improving the park,
and with proper encouragement the work
can be accomplished the present summer
The first step in the order of effeeting
this result is to have the city council order
to proper grade. The work will, no doubt
be ordered by the council, as there are so
many reasons why such improvement
should be done. and not single possible
objection to be urged against it.
PRIVATE SUBSCRIPTION.
Having secured the ground at proper
grade, it is proposed to raise fund by
private subscription for the purpose of de
fbo OF limo
the Improvement of the square, such as
walks, fences, fountain and O pagoda or
band stand.
From conversations held with business
men and citizens generally, it is believed
that sufficient sum of money can be rails
ed at once for this purpose, and all that is
necessary is for the citizens to hold meet
ing and appoint committee to visit per
sons and secure their subscriptions. Near
ly every city of the size of Rock Island has
a park if not series of pleasure resorts which
are a credit to their respective localities,
and it is disgrace that this city should
permit the present excuse for a park to
continue without any improvement.
A PLAN
has been drawn up for the reconstructed
park, which, if carried out, will convert
Union COW pasture into park of great
beauty. The plan includes d fountain in
the exact centre, around which is a concen-
trio circular grass plot, in which will be To-
Gated several flower beds of different shapes
and patterns The walks are located so as
to afford ample opportunities for utilizing
them as thoroughfares, and at the same
time permit them to be used as private re
sorts for pedestrians and children. Four
walks will extend from the four corners of
the square constituting the park, while ser
pentine paths will run midway between the
centre and the outside fences, connecting
he four diagonal walks above noted.
In time flower beds can
DC planted in these grass plots, and other
made that may be found
necessary. Benches win be situated at
distances, and everything done
that will make this spot a resort and
breathing place.
BAND STAND.
The Improvement also includes the cree |
ion of either a pagoda or rustic band
'tand near the fence bordering the ives
ern part of the square. 1t is thought |
hat arrangements can be made by which a
,and can be secured two evenings of each |
week. At least such plan is successful |
y carried out in several cities along the
liver, and viii prove equally attractive in
Rock Island. A stone coping or fence of
unique design win protect the park, and
he spot will become pleasure resort in
very way creditable to the city.