The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-02-26
Providence Athletic Association.

Fenner, 2oo6; Prospect Terrace 1908, and
Roger Williams Square $1,000.
The greatest extension and improvements
have been limited TO Roger Williams, Black
stone and Davis parks. The former acreage
OF Roger Williams park was a little over n
hundred acres. 1t is now about 423, consisting
of beautifully diversified scenery with a
chain Of charming lakes, capable of affording
seven mile trips on the steam launches that
convey pleasure seekers during the boating
season. Those who seek pleasure in the form
Of driving through the boulevards which have
just been completed can take five mile spin,
while the pedestrian in search of charming
walks can follow the shore line of the lake for
seven miles.
The largest island at present in state Of
nature is to be connected with two fine stone
bridges, contracts for which have been signed
during the last week by the commissioners.
The island will be converted into splendid
botanical garden, and ~ soon as=tife state of
the ground will permit the park commission.
ers will recommends improvements with the
money available, about SOS, 600.
II was the intention TO employ several
hundred men rs much as possible during the
winter, the City Council having given the com
mssioncrs full power TO do the work by con-
tract or by the day. Unfortunately for the
numerous unemployed a few hours after this
authority had been given storms came with
snow and ice that made il impossible to begin
operations. and the condition OF the ground
has not changed since.
Ii will DO good news 70 the hundreds OF
waiting laborers to learn that from President
Deming comes word that in few weeks the
start will he made.
Tho near future has great things in store
for Roger williams In all probability fine
outdoor gymnasium will be constructed this
year. There will be two baseball fields for
the boys Of the city to play in without
charge, and there will DO polo and tennis
grounds, racquet courts. and bicycle tracks
for exhibitions of skill and for learners.
There will be large feet of lake launches
and hundreds Of row boats. An electric rail
road around the entire water front is one of
the improvements, so the park commissioners
state, and also conveyanccs for taking people
over the parks by the way OF the beautiful
boulevards and drive ways. The horsecss
carriage will probably come into play In this
connection.
Those who indulge I'm boating on the lake
will start from n new boat house this year,
the beautiful memorial structure. erected in
honor OF the late Clark Dalrymple. who be-
queathed the money 20 the city.
The Art museum Is at present the finest OF
the park buildings. IL cost $4,000, and during
the summer months 10 was visited by nearly
1000 people. President DemIng, friend and
patron Of the fine arts, hopes 10 see a mag.
nihcont gallery Of paintings and sculpture
work in the near future.
The new Casino now going up will cost
about the same as the Art museum. Its rent
will materially add 10 tho park revenues. II
will pay for the building in few years. Tho
cost Of ruintaining Roger williams park has
been about s25.OoO year, and for the other
parks about 5000 per snnum. The annual
revenue Of Roger williams Park has aver.