Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-05-14
PITTsBURe. TUESDAY. MAY "a, 1858.
THE PROPOSAL FOR PARKS.

1t is gratifying to notice that Commits
sioner of Public Works Bigelow has the
courage of his convictions in the matter OF
getting parks for this populous and growing
city, while yet the chance exists; and that
he does not hesitate to recommend the acquI-
sition of the Schenley property in the
Twentv-second ward, as well as the beautif-
cation of the barren and unsightly grounds
along the Allegheny wharf.
Neither the Commissioners convictions
nor perceptions run one whit in advance Of
the public in this respect. To waste fowery
language in describing the attractions of a
public park is not needed; nor is it required
to thresh over the old straw of arguments
supporting the position that such things,
while seeming luxuries at the start. pay
handsomely in the end. Everyone who
knows of the delight which New York takes
in Central Park, Baltimore in Druid Hill
Park, Philadelphia in Fairmount Park,
Cincinnati in its Eden Park, and who
understands how much the people of these
cities would sacrifice before giving up their
pleasure grounds, can estimate what glad
boon similar endowment would be to Pitts
burg.
And yet it requires courage to press it be-
fore Councils. Wild expenditures and poor
returns in years past; the long drawn-out
and extravagantly built water works; the
miles upon miles of worthless patements,
which have vanished, leaving indeed, no trace
but bonded Indebtedness; the general upward
tendency of city expenses-these things all
combine to make the taxpayer look charity
upon any new proposition involving con-
siderable outlay. However, the facts are
there none the less, that the people should
have some place and means of rational and
healthful enjoyment. 1t is well that the
saloons are closed on Sundays; it may be
proper to guard carefully against the inno-
vations of baseball games; sacred concerts"
cannot, perhaps, wisely be winked at; while
the period has evidently not yet arrived
when even "soda water can be trusted
upon -iBdiscriminate draught. But some
reasonable provision, such as exists in other
cities, must be made for the great bulk of
the people who. have not fine grounds or
-AoAoAoAof anu " Se4CSbss
standing at the corners or crowding on mar
row porches or backstoops is not the ideal
of enjoyment for the leisure hours of Sun
day, or any other day.
If 200 acres of the Schenley property
can be got at the rate Of 81, 900 per acre,
with IS acres donated besides, the city will
have bargain. 1t is not like paying S1O,-
600 per acre for property six miles from the
Postofice, as was done for the water works.
But commendable as is the Commissioners
cousre in urging the proposal, he and Coun-
ellis must not the less take care as to the
balance of the programme. If the purchase
is to be followed by extravagant plans for
improvements or a costly style of main
tenance, IT will reflect discredit on those in
charge just in proportion as a wise, though
not necessarily mean, economy and fore
sight will make the investment for all time
satisfactory. The progress of negotiations
will surely be awaited with great public
interest