Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-07-15
PLANS OF BIGEL0W
AApaalned to the Park Committee
While Out in Carriages.
A SHELTER HOUSE AT HIGHLAND.
an observatory at schenley and Driving
Track Around. 1t.
COMMITTEE SURPRISED AND PLEASED

The visit of the Park Committee to
Highland and Schenley parks yesterday
was pleasant and profitable one to the IA
members of the committee who attended
business prevented the attendance of
Mayor Gourley and Controller Morrow.
IL was the first trip for several of the men,
bers to either of the parks, and great was
their surprise as they viewed the city s
great Fairgrounds. Chief Bigelow acted
the role Of guide with assiduous attention to
details. He met the committee and a few
newspaper men with carriages at the
Got of Highland avenue and drove
iireet to Highland, the Chrefs favorite
Of the parks. The numerous long drive
ways here were carefully traversed, the
improvements already made explained and
noted, and the splendid views of the ALE
gheny valley obtalnable from Mt Bigelow
were greatly enjoyed. Then the newly ac-
quired tracts of land were inspected and
the Chief and Superintendent Paisley ex-
planned to the committee the improve
ments they intend to make, They
told of the broad driveway which
will begin at Stanton avenue east
II Highland avenue and run down
through the Negley rnn ravine until it
drikes the old water basin. the top of
Which will be cut down few feet to adapt
I: to the grade and formed into broad
.rivewav, the bottom of the basin being
made a pretty little lake.
A shelter for Picnic Parties.
Up in the ravine'there is an old mansion
louse which is being remodeled to form a
heller for the picnic parties who visit the
oark daily, and the broad piazzas that are
icing built around the old dwelling will
make it an attractive'retreat at all times.
Before leaving the park the Chief took
ne visitors to view the Fite and Finn
o skillfully did he explain the necessity of
1ding them to the park in order to secure
respectable entrance that one or two men,
ers of the party who had previously op-
,osed the purchases enthusiastically de-
Iared In favor of them.
Superintendent Mch might tremendously
Welcomed the visitors arrival at Schen-
ey Park and thereafter became their escort.
There were three large Sunday school pic |
lies scattered through the groves and |
richards, and on being informed that this |
vas an almost daily occurrence the visitors |
we're astonished that in such short time |
his park had become SO popular Nothing |
Torth seeing escaped attention. Every |
main driveway was traversed in carriages, |
nd some of the new bride paths on the !
outh hill were tramped over.
Stone Quarry in the Park.
The handsome retaining wall being built |
m the west hill of stone quarried in the !
park and the system of road building being \
pursued were examined and tavorably CON-
niented on. The extent of the stone quarries
and the hustle and activity displayed there
were a revelation to most of the visitors
and were examined with interest. All
nther points of interest and i'm
roYement operations were sim
arfv inspected, and, while a tasty
Incheon was being served to the committee
1t the orchard on the most elevated point in
the park, future developments were talked
If and Chief Bigelow unfolded some of his
llanS
One which, will probably be exc
.uted this year is half-mi e driv-
ng track which will be formed
IN the crest of the south hill from which
he Court House, the East End Valley, Oak
and, the Southside and the Monongahela
Valley may all be seen by simply turning
he head With very little expense this
beautiful hilltop can be converted into a
plendid oval track, and in the center OF the
wal space there is projected an observatory
imilar to that at Fairmount Park, Phila-
lelphia, from which the view of the sur
'ounding country will be greatly increased.
Why Driving Park Is Needed.
The necessity for driving track in the
park. as explained by Mr. Bigelow, is that
here are so many fast horses in this city
Ind no place to speed them. 1t is as natural
or man to speed good horse as it is for
he animal to eat, and at present, having no
Dther place, the owners use the park drive
Ways to test their nags in spite of the Wig.
lance of the police. This is not only
dangerous to the life and limb of
thers but disagreeable to those who
iesire to jog along and enjoy themselves
Iuiely. By providing the fast drivers a
rack, as other cities are doing in their
,arks, there will be no excuse for the use of
he driveways for that purpose and it will
erve to popularize the park in other ways.
Before leaving the park the committee
vas treated to the spectacle of the big
lephant taking his daily bath in the pond. |
Vt the oval where the athletic contests took
lace on the Fourth the amphitheater seats
re still in position and Chief Bigelow is |
naking preparations for another series of
ontests to take place some Saturday after
Ioon or evening before the building of the
lew conservatory is begun. Prof Kirsch-
ler, of the East End Gyms, will probably
'e called upon to superintend the arrange
1ents. The idea met with the hearty favor
f the Park Committee, who left the park
asst evening enthusiastic over the question
f public breathing spofs