St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-05-24
PROGRESS IN THE PARKS.
Great Interest Manifested.-Musnc nc
For the People.

Public interest is thoroughly aroused re-,
garding the city parks, and each district1ss
now on the alert to see that the neighboring
park receives at least as much attention as
any other. The committee on parks Of the
city council has great deal of business on
hand, but is making steady progress. Ap-
pended are details respecting the condition
of the principal parks:
The contemplated improvements con-
nected with Como park, include the WIDEN
ing of Como avenue from
Rice street to Lake Como, and the con-
struction of the boulevard from Como ave-e
nue. to Smelling avenue opposite the state
fair grounds. The boulevard is to be $50
feet wide. The drive will wind round the
shores of Lake Como and will surpaSs any
drive elsewhere because of the natural
picturesqueness of the locality.
CONCERTS TO BE GIVEN.
Rice park has been greatly improved
already, but flowers are now being set out
there. Concerts are to be held on WedneS-
day and Saturday evenings, commencing at
7:3O. The first will be given on Wednesday
evening next. The First Regiment band
will play on Wednesdays and the Great
Western on Saturdays. The concerts will
be given until the end of September. This
charming place has become one of the most
agreeable and popular resorts in the city.
Improvements are in progress at Irvine
park, and in the course of a few weeks it
will present an attractive appearance. Itsis
deemed unfortunate that the grading Of the
Irvine park drive has been delayed for
nearly three years by the opposition Of
some residents in the locality. There is a
strong desire to have this work done so
that the committee may complete the adorn-
ment of the park.
SUMMIT SQUARE.
Summit square is in good way toward
completion. Rustic seats and flowers are
to be placed there. The site is admirably
adapted for an elegant fountain, such as
have been so freely presented to parks in
other cities.
In Smith park the grading is about COM
pleted. The trees set out this spring are
all doing well. The laying out of the walks
and the sodding may begin about week
hence. In the center of this park the COM
mittee will place water basin about
twenty feet in diameter, which will contain
ornamental rock work with flowing water.
CENTRAL PARK.
Central park, which lies between Robert
and Cedar, with Bluff street on the north,
is nearly completed SO far as the filling is
concerned. STEADY progress Will be made
with the establishment, which will be car
ried ON continuously until completed. One
of the finest fountains in the Northwest
will be placed in this park, which, next to
Como, is the largest in the city. It maybe
remembered that this park was given tofhe
city by four public-spirited citizens
Messrs. Dawson, Lindeke, Schurmeier and
Lanpher. Bluff street has been widened
on the north side to 113 feet. The center
of this drive will be adorned with shrubbery
and flowers, rendering it practically part Of
the park. There is a marked change in the
vicinity of this park since it was laid out.
Property has increased in value and the lo-
cality has become a favOrite site for first
class residences.
Lafayette square, which is at the junction
of Lafayette avenue, Grove and Tenth
streets, in one of the most delightful resi-
dence districts of the city, is undergoing
improvements. The filling will soon be
completed, when the park will be embel-
lished without delay.
THE ESPLANADE.
At the last meeting of the common
council an ordinance was sent to the board
of public works condemning eight lots in
block 20, and all of block 81, In Rice q
Irvine'S addition. 1t is deemed ADVISABLE
to secure this property since it may be made
an esplanade Of great beauty, commanding;
as it does, view Of the river and highlands