The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-12-18
THE EAST RIVER PARK.
A Project to Destroy Its Beauty ana Charm
and Interfere with Its Proper Use.

A Project to Destroy Its Beauty and Charm
and Interfere with Its Proper Use.
TIC THE EDITOR OF THE SuN-Sir: I see by the
daily papers that at the last meeting Of the Park
Commissioners several associations for tho
amelioration Of the condition OF the poor and
for tho promotion Of athletics have applied for
the use OF the level portion OF East River Park,
north Of Eighty.sixth street, as an open.air
gymnasium.
The tract referred to, as I understand. lies Just
south Of the mansion on the north end OF East
River Park. and consists of q level piece of
greensward dotted with largo shade trees Of
considerable age. From this point of vantage
the best views OF the river are o~btained-north,
east and south. On this territory the benevolent
societies propose to construct a running track.
parallel bars. trapeZes. swings, and all the para
phernalia of an open-air gymnasium. A high
fence must necessarily be erected around this
tract in order to keep out the children who can
not be accommodated within. as we'll as to pro-
tect the little girls who are to use the gymna-
sum every other day.
Now, I do respectfully protest against the
use OF East River Park In any such manner as
above described. and l do It in full coRnizance Of
the great value Of the benevolent work proposed;
and its entire practicability as shown by the
success Of the open.air gymnasium in Boston on
the Charles River. East River Park is q
park of river view, of shaded banks where
thousands of women. little children. and men
sather to rest and enjoy the cool Of the evening
or early morning and the charm Of the sur
rounding landscape. Baby carriages and moth
ers abound more here than in any other park of
and quiet enjoyment above everything else.
Does 1t seem fair to these people. who have
been accustomed to occupy this park, to intro.
duce the discordant element OF the tramp and
the shouting of half-grown boys OH running
track and jumping bars penned within q high
fence. shutting out charming viewsf
1t seems to me. moreover. an ill-advtscd and
unnecessary dissertation Of ono Of tho mos
unique and attractive park landscapes OF the
city. Tho space 1t is proposed to occupy covers
only about half an acre and is the key point OF
all the views, 1t Is covered with g~reensward,
charming to the eye. and has large shade trees
on 1t that are sure to be injured by the stress OF
| gymnasium work.
On the other hand, there are park territories
elsewhere that are unimproved, have no shade
trees. no greensward, no views, lie level. and
among a dense population of poor people. There
Is such q place recently taken by the city al
Hester street. Division street, and Essex street
covering over an acre. There Is another be
tween First avenue and Pleasant avenue ant
18th street and Hath street, covering about
three acres. Several other pieces of ground o.
similar character in other parts OF the city ART
In process of condemnation for park purposes
but the aforementioned can be used at once
VIII not THE sun exert its powerful influences
to avert this menace to East River Park and Il
persuade the worthy open-air gymnasium peopl,
to seek other and better quarters elsewheref
NEW YORK.. Dec. IL. EAST SIDE.