The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-08-07
THE LUNGS or THE CITY
Something About The CamnodIous CITY Park
and Its Numerous Attractions.
GREATLY IMPROVED AND BENEFITED
ihc Evolution ornu 0Id riciu Into n
City'S Playground auu .,rc,tI,tu..
Spot'-Heanitiui WALKS ana nrivcY
with Many Charming Vicws-a
Humanity Haunted spot.

III the lungs of Il city are any critic
ron DS which to judge It's healthy
Erowth the citizens of Norfolk have no
reason to feel that their city is not in
this respect, as we'll as In ali others
right In the front line with her neigh
nors. and ahead Of many OF them.
Ihese red hot August days find the
cars that glide through the dust lung
lhorouEhfares leading to the City Park
crowded with heat tortured mankind
in search of rcstfu shade and heaven
born breezes. Although still undergoing
Improvement and yet in transition
stage OF development, this charming
tracl affords place OF recreation for
thousands every week. "a fact siEniii-
cantlv indicative Of the pleasures ii will
nfIord when all contemplated plans are
consumated.
Very few persons who have not visited
IT OF recent months would recognize in
the present handsome park. with it's
picturesuuc walks, graded drives and
artistic improvements, the barren field
where four years age the wild rabbit
roamed i'm unfettered freedom and the
feathercd denizens of the air made love
immolestcd In leefy labyrinths of the
grove.
The site embraced by the now i'm
proved tract was purchased by the city
from the North Norfolk Company about
three yenrs ago, but the work Of metam-
orDhosis was not begun until some time
had ELAPSED. The general idea actual
INK NS ipuIclluSt WAS 10 DrONlue II
breathing spot for the tired city not
lneGlectiDg the children, and to afford an
objective point for drives, where pretty v
views woodland retreats and an easily
accessible haven of rest could be found.
Plans were drawn for an claborat e
system of walks and driveways. Land
scope gardeners contributed their skill
of their cult ana so directed the pick
and shovel OF the laborer that II beautiful
transformation was wrought in the old
haal Ind ht.ly Il
| marchV creek unbridged and unbuth-
eSSed.
The then chairman OF the Park Com
mittcc. after he had gotten the work
we'll under way, was succeeded by Mr..
| j. w. Borum, under whose able supervi-
sion the improvements were pushed as
far as the funds at his command would
permit. out of unshaply sand banks
rosa rounded and sysmctrcal flower
beds: snake like paths became inviting
| walks. and graded drives stretched
away on every hand. Well-kept lawns
apneared and the undergrOwth in the
grove was cleared away. Under the
grateful shade were placed rustic seats.
where VisiterS may sit and enjoy the
cooling brceZcs that laugh through the
bouGhs above and rustic the fragrant
pine needles below. Here, too. well
as on the banks of the creek, swings
have been built for the amusement of
| the children.
A pretty pavilion erected on the
| lines Of a pagoda. rises Just east of the
grove, and, occupying central position.
| Is easily reached from all parts of rhe
park
\ romantic spot is the keepers house
| situated on the banks of the creek. and
| emboWcred in the shade of giant trees
| a we'll with its .'old oaken bucket" and
| long, old-fas hioned sweep. has furnished
! refreshing draughts TO many thousands
| OF tho thirsty.
On the first of July the park was turn
| ed over 10 the new Councils Committee
consisting of Messrs. ID. Mccormick. w
| T. Allen, Alexander Redd. ]. r. Briggs
and A. 5. Couper These gentlemen
| take lively interest in the Improvement III [
and development of the place. and they
have accomplished a great deal
MIR Mccormick. chairman Of the com
| miitee, was asked for details of late inn
plovements. but he said he was not pre-
| pared to give out anything a present.
The fact however. that Norfolk has a
| place OF this character, easily accessible
| and of such beauty, will add TO her
prospects as we'll as to the pleasure Of
| her citizens.