The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-07-02
OUR PUBLIC RESORTS.
THE CITY AND SUBURBAY PARKS
GROWING IN POPULARITY,
Monroe Park and Capitol Squurc--Cyciists
Becoming Daoserou.4n the Form
er-Other Attractive riaces.

Every year the public parks in and
| around the city are growing more popu-
lar. Richmond people appear 10 have
recognized the need OF fresh air, and the
various suburban resorts especially are
rapidlv gaining favor. There was
time when these resorts. were compare
| st,elv asserted 1t was not considered
| the proper thing by some people to 20
ont 10 Forest Hill. Chimborazo, New kes-
crSoir. Marshall or even Monroe faFN
after dark. and these beautiful resorts,
estab tfshed and kept up at heavy ex-
Dense BY the city. We're given up 10 Il
certain class OF people who held KIND OF
.nonopoly. Now and then few proms-
ncnt pcrsons could be seen walking brisk
Nv through Monroe or Chimborazo PARK.
That was all. They appeared 10 TAKE
special pains not 70 iinger or sit down
for q moment upon one Of the benches
provided.
MONROE GREAT PLAYGROUND.
The greatest playground in the city Is
Monroe Park. This by reason OF H5
central location, handsome shade trees,
grass broad walk-ways, tempting seats.
and fragrant flowers. is eminenuy suited
for children. They appear there in large
numbers every afternoon, ana, lndeeu'
during the morning. and such a scream
ing, romping. and general merriment you
never heard. Eaby-carriages 10y the nun
dred roll back and forth through the
park: nurses galore with white aprons
and frllled caps. and any number OF httle
ones appear in the park daily. | have
seen as many as fifteen hundred chill
dren all rugged" out in white pinafofcs,
ruined collars, and tho Ike, and all III
the best Of humCr. There merry voices
and happy screams Of laughter cause
mtty Il tender smile TO tighten up the
faces Of cold. practical business men go
ing UP on the car. The number Of chill
dren who frequent Monroe Park have
Increased from week 20 week until nearly
all the little ones in that portion Of the
city spend a large part Of their time there.
THE DANGEROUS BICYCLE.
Bcvclists have become fast and reckless
in Monroe Park Since the recent mania
struck Richmond the dcvotees Of the
wheel have become so numerous IN the
popular West-End resort that at times
it is dangerous for nurses and children
to walk about in the park. Many of
the female cyclists learned 10 ride there.
and sometimes as many as twenty OF
them can be seen Swimming along at
rapid rate through the walks. Frequent
~ they carry no bells nor lights after
dusk. and accidents have occurred time
and again. After dark the shadows from
the thick shrubbcry, together with the
glare Of the lights. often render IL we'll
nigh impossible for the pedestrian to steer
clear Of the festive 'cyclst.
only a day or two ago | saw sweet,
innocent tot knocked down unceremonius-
~ by a bicycllst who didn't even look
around 20 STE II any damage had been
done Fortunately the little one was I'M
hurt and 10 further damage than q soil
ed dress and a shock TO its nerves was
done one walking through Monroe
Park, however has 10 keep sharp eye
10 escape accidents and the situation is
growing quite serious. Bells and lights
would serve 10 help matters. Il is hoped
that an ordinance covering this necessity
viii be made.
PLACE FOR LorNGING.
The Capitol Squars is a comfort and
blessing TO the lahOring classes as We'll
as others Ample shade. g. omforta BILE seats.
and other attractions make it a popular
resort with people who have few min
Hies TO spend near the middle of.the day.
They lounge Oh che benches. enjoy the
breeZes. and make friends with tine bum
MES Convenient 10 the business por-
ton Of the city, and well suited for rest
and short walks. the Old historic Square
has been for many wears one of the most
popular places in the city to visitors as
well as residents 4 stranger stopping
over in Richmond for a peep ar the pria-
cipal points Of interest seldom fails TO re-
mark upon the number Of people who
spend an hour or two daily in the Capt.
tol Square.
THE OTHER RESORTS
ChimbOrazo has become a favorite place
for short drives 10 commands a beau
tiful view down the river. and 10y reason
of it's elevation. there is nearly always
refreshing breeze in summer 10 attract
people The view over the city from
Chimborazo at night is quite attractive.
4 splendid view Of the city can also be
secured from Marshall Park. whore the
magnificent soldiers and sailors monu-
ment attracts 50 many visitors. 1t is q
picturesque place. and IS growing in pop
ularity every year
Reservoir Park has become a favorite
resort at aieht. Many dancing parties
20 out and spend the evening there. The
walks. shruAbery. neutrality-suspicious.. ana
beautiful lake. whore boating is offered
10 The dcvotees Of the water. make 81
one Of the most delightful places in or
around the city.
Picnic parties and excursionists flourish
like 50 many green hay-trees at Forest
Hi. This is q earning suburban place
10 spend the day. and offers many in
ducements to people who 90 out for biz
of fresh air. il has become quite the
thing 10 take a Seyenth-sireet open car
for Forest Hi i'm the evening 4 de-
Hghtful ride across the bridge and the
suburban attractions around that famous
resort make IL descrvcdly popular.