Wichita eagle., 1889-06-27
THE PARK.
wichita Mayor, Park Committee ana Coun-
cilmen Make Tour Of Inspection.

The park commissioners, Messrs. ]. O.
Davidson, B. II. Campbell, r. E. Law
renee and A. W. Oliver, gave notice that
they would yesterday visit the old Sher-
man, the Davidson and Greiffenstein
parks. An invitation was extended to the
city council TO Join them, but when the
appointed time arrived-3 p. m. yesterday
to leave the corner of Main street and
| Douglas avenue the commissioners named
were all on hand and the city
| council was only represented by Mayor
Clement and Councilmen Healy, Wife,
Schnitzler and Williams. When the hacks
drew up in front of the Citizens bank and
| it was discovered that Councilmen Herrig
and Mercer were absent, Notwithstanding
they had promised to be on hand, Mr.,
fenstein residence where on in
vitation of Mr., Kris Pearce they all
| alighted and inspected Mr.. Greifenstein's
| fine Office and were served with some ex-
cellent refreshments. Kris said some of
the city papers had said "Uncle Billy's
cellar was full of water but he wished to
inform his visitors right there that such
was not the fact. When the party drove
into the Greiffenstein park the sun was
shining brightly which made it show off
good advantage. When they drew up
under clump of grand old elm and wal
nut trees and the entire woods were re-
sounding with songs of birds, some of the
party confessed that they never knew
there was such lovely spot almost in the
heart Of Wichita.
Most of the park committee expressed
surprise at the great number Of hard wood
trees in the Grieffenstein park. They had
expected to find most of the trees cotton
wood but the part composing the park
proper is mostly composed of walnut and
elm with few sycamore. Mayor Clement,
j. o. Davidson and R. E. Lawrence seemed
determined TO see every inch of the ground,
They left the carriages and with hats in
hand roamed through the woods until
they laid out a number Of drives and
erected bridges, all imaginary of course.
The entire party seemed to catch the en-
thusiasm and all agreed that in the near
future Wichita would have a park that
would be the pride of her public
spirited and energetic people
and would be the admiration
of the strangers from the four quarters of
the earth who visit the Peerless Princess.
The parties having the park matter in
charge did not seem inclined to talk much
of the price asked for these parks, but one
Of them intimated that Mr.. Greiffenstein
wanted $4,000 for about forty-seven acres
Of his ground. There seems to be more
life about the Davidson park, it being al
ready thrown open to the public. This re-
sort is SO well known to Wichita people
and they are SO thoroughly satisfied that
some Of the city council think the city
ought to own park. 1t was understood
that the old Shuman park was closed, so
the party walked along the bank on the
Davidson side Of the river and viewed it
from the distance. Mr.. Lawrence and
the councilmen from the Fifth ward said
their people wanted the parks but that
they wanted a bridge across the big river
to Lanes island drive through by the
water works to Shuman's park After all
were satisfied with looking at the parks
they went up to the platform Of the Elec-
trio motor line, over which waved the
stars and stripes, when the car came
gliding into the parks so smoothly that
motion to send the carriages back to the
city and take ride on the motor carried
unanimously.
The entire party returned firmly of the
opinion that Wichita could have q fine
park by putting up the proper amount
of money for the same AS TO the money
part of it there seemed TO be difference of
opinion. Some seemed to think the people
would want TO vote the bonds and some
thought it would be objected to most
positively ty a majority of the people
What will be done with the matter seems
yet to be a question of much doubt 1t is
thought the matter may come before the
council at its next meeting when initial
steps will be taken in deciding what
should de done.