The San Francisco call., 1899-12-10
PANHANDLE EXTENSION
Is PERFECTLY FEASIBLE
PARK SUPERINTENDEN Nc
LAREN TALKS OF GRADES.

The following correspondence between
Mayor Phelan and Superintendent Nc
Laren of Golden Gate Park explains IL
self, and will be interesting in view of the
coming election to decide the question OF
Issuing bonds for the extension of the
park panhandle TO Van Ness avenue:
December 6, 1899
John McLaren. Superintendent Golden
Gate Park. City-My Dear Sir: Should the
citizens vote for the extension OF the park
panhandle to Market street. there will be
q question as to the best means OF improv-
ing the property. There is a steep ascent
for a few blocks on the line of the eXten-
sion. fully as steep according to the official
surveys. Golden Gate avenue, from
Scott TO Devisadero, which approximates
10 per cent. This grade will have TO be re
duced or a winding road will have TO be
constructed, and as the blocks condemned
are 275 feet wide. the land. l am informed,
will admit OF almost any kind OF treatment.
] am assured by engineers and architects
that IL Is simple matter TO make this
driveway. which is the most natural, direct
and beautiful approach TO the park. salts
factory In every respect As the question
OF grades will be raised and the people
should possess all Information possible. /
wish you would please send your idea
as TO the best means OF treating the land
and let me know particularly what should
be the established grade according to your
views and how deep would be the cuts on
the hill top and how the sides OF the same.
when made. can be treated by the landscape
gardener so as to produce the best effect
These are practical questions and l
sure that you have the Information at hand
JAMES d. PHELAN. Mayor
ONCE Of the Commissioners OF Golden Gate
PARK OFFICE. Dec. 9. 1899.
Hon. James ID. Phelan. Mayor OF San
Francisco New City Hall-Dear Sir: Re
garding the proposed cut through Oak-street
hill the erroneous supposition seems TO have
gained credence that II would be necessary
to make a deep cut, whereas in reality the
deepest cut necessary TO give per cent
grade (Which should be the maxmum) VIII
only be twenty-six feet. and that for a dis
tance Of only three blocks, and the average
slope two to one
OF course IL is not desirable to give uni
form slope along the whole distance: the
effect should be undulating and rolling.
varying in steepness from one and half
10 one TO a slope OF three TO one. thereby
giving a natural and easy appearance. rather
than one OF stiff uniformity. The width OF
the block being 275 feet allows ample space
TO give this variety. both in the form OF the
slopes and in the curvatures of the drive
ways Excellent examples OF a two TO one
slope such as is proposed for the panhandle
cut between Steiner and Webster streets
can be seen on the grassy slope opposite the
Cyclers' Rest in Golden Gate Park. where
the old Casino once stood. and on the North
Ridge road at its easterly junction with the
main drive
IL has been suggested that in order to pre-
serve the present grade of the cross streets
bridges be erected across the drive at
Webster Fillmore and Steiner streets over
which electric and other traffic will be
carried. At Scott and Devisadero streets
BRIDGES may also be built for the purpose
OF carrying the driveway. footpath and
cyceway over the streets. thereby allow
fng cars and wagons engaged in moving
merchandise and other material 10
under the drive. so that IL will not be neces-
sary in driving from Van Ness avenue to
the park TO cross any car lines on the same
level or incur any risk of a collision with
vehicles or cars. The level OF the drive
will be here approached by gentle slopes
and easy roads.
Once the land Is acquired. however. IL Is
a matter for an engineer and landscape gar
dener TO devise the best plan for Its improve
ment. Winding roads may follow the pres
cnt elevations the twenty-six foot cut
be made. In either event the great purposes
OF the panhandle extension will be served.
Out Of the thirteen blocks only three will
be affected by the cut suggested, and that
Will enhance rather than diminish the effect.
Respectfully yours. JOHN McLAREN.
Superintendent.