The herald., 1896-01-03
MESERVE'S ANNUAL REPORT
The Park Superintendent Files
His Official Paper
THE IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED
Park Water System is Alleged to Be
Inadequate
THE IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED
East Side Park Needs a Band stand and
Others Of the Various Parks Need
Other Things

Superintendent Elmo R. Meserve, of the
with the board of park commissioners yes
terday, it being the last of the yearly mu-
nicipal reports to be made public. The
document details the expenditures for la
Dor, supplies and incidentals in every park
of the city. Thirty new seats were last
year constructed for East Side park, and
| there is lumber on hand for thirty more.
The water system of the park is alleged to
be inadequate. A new tool house has been
constructed there, and also new lavatory,
and the boat house has been repainted.
The superintendent suggests that
a new band stand for the park be con-
structed, and wants police officer on duty
there on Sundays and at night time. There
have been several additions of rare and
valuable plants to the greenhouse. A spe-
cial house for the cultivation of orchids is
suggested at the park. A conservatory to
cost about $1,000 for a palm house.
In Central Park two-thirds of the lawn
area has been replanted during the year,
and fence to cost $500 recommended to
be constructed around the square. Fifty
new seats were added last year. The re-
port says:
central park had very unsavory repu-
tation for long time, but am pleased to
report that it has steadily and greatly inn
proved through the hearty cooperation OF
the regular police force and by the efforts
OF our special officers, perfect order is now
maintained.
A crowd of idle loungers made this their
regular headquarters for some time, and
through loud debating large crowds assem-
bled, thereby causing much annoyance.
Two of the leaders were arrested and con-
victed under the city ordinances, and this
RI Ind fO< fh<a
fire and zeal of the orators, and the idle
loungers have greatly lessened since their
chief amusement has ceased.
Under the head of Elysian park, the re.
port says that $500 feet of boulevard, 40
feet in width, was constructed on the high
est ridge Of the park and 700 feet, 80 feet
wide. around the highest hill was nearly
completed. The loop will be finished
few days after good rain fall and boul-
evard about seven miles long and costing
about $4,000 a mile can be constructed in
the park, providing a uniform width of
about 80 feet can be given. Three thous-
and or more feet of this work will, it is ex-
pected, be completed in the coming spring.
Over 10000 young trees were planned in
the park last winter and all have thrived,
o. My two waterings being required during
the summer. All of the forests
are showing remarkable growth. The
planting OF common eucalyptus has gone
cIlOtBu UPON tI10 rob6FVdtlOIls Says u10
superintendent, and the remainder of the
lands should be kept for a more general
variety of forest trees. Boulevards, walks,
lakes or water system, with judicious
planting and arranging of trees is sug-
gested to make Elysian the park which it
in time will become.
One hundred benches were repainted
and thirty new ones were placed at West
lake last year, but 100 more were, accord
ing TO the report, needed for service near
the new band stand. A waterfall and
fountain are to be placed at the northern
end of the park. The irrigating system is
reported as being incomplete and
suggests the rigid enforcement of
the rules at this park, SO as to all the
more prevent vandalism. The lawns are
full of Bermuda grass and will have to be
taken up one at time and relaid.
Prospect park is said to be constantly at
the mercy of loose cattle and horses,
which conditions will, il is said, change as
the neighborhood becomes more thickly
populated. For st. James park chemical
fertilizers are suggested, the other being
unsightly and unpleasant.
Thirty-six thousaud seven hundred and
fifty-seven feet of first lawns were planted
at Hollenbeck park last year, and 1924
feet of new walks were put in and new
$500 boat house was constructed. Ground
is being now graded for new lawn from
the boat house up to St. Louis street. The
lawn will be double terrace. Eleven hum
dred feet of l2-inch cement pipe we're
placed in the park last year, and a stone
drain was placed at Boyle avenue. 1t is
suggested that the grade and width of
Boyle avenue at the park line should be
established and broadened. Two more
bridges are needed for the park,
and all the streets east and west
by the park should be at once graded. The
water system of the park is inadequate
and some of the pipe lines are entirely out
of order. More closets are reported as
being needed.
Echo park is reported as being in a con-
dition of waiting. being without an irrigat-
ing system. which, it is estimated would
cost about $500. The proposed boulevard
upon the western boundary of the park is
reported to be in waiting condition, the
expert suggesting that pressure be brought
to bear upon the council by the park com
missioners and city attorney to hasten the
proposed work. A new $500 is to be at once
built, and bath houses for fresh water
bathing recommended. The superintend-
ent wants system whereby the water in
the park can be maintained at a proper
level during the winter months the alb
sence of such a system at present makes
the lake present an unsightly appearance.
The requirement of the lands between the
bark and Temple road by the city is rec
commended, to be utilized for an attract
i've approach.
In the nursery department, two cloth
houses, six hotbeds, were ordered during
the year. One division of this department
is located at Elysian and the other at East
Lake park. large assortment of fine
trees and palms are being prepared in this
department for use at Elysian park, West
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