The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-03-02
FROM Mr.. WILDER.
Tells What Park Commission
Hopes to Accomplish.
o the Editor of the State Journal:

To the Editor of the State Journal:
a daylight ride through Missouri on
a snow-delayed train seems to offer
special inducements for putting into
form certain thoughts about our park
movement which seem to me important.
The commission feels that it was ap-
pointed because of and represents a
very. strong, general-indeed quite uni
versal-desire for a present realization
of really beautiful and useful parks, in
place of continued prediction of what
we expect to have at some future pc
riOd.
It believes that this strong desire will
not be satisfied with temporary, half
way measures, but expects of the com
mission the adoption Of a broad COM
prehensive plan under which some i'm
mediate results can be achieved, and to
which the work of succeeding years can
be tremendously and consistently ap-
piled.
This necessarily involves confidence in
and active sympathy with the commits
sion, and liberal financial support.
The commission cannot hope to fully
satisfy all parties, or even to satisfy
itself either in selection of sites or their
treatment. It does not hope to escape
criticism, but feels sure that the in
stinct for fair play will insure that
criticism shall be suggestive rather
mediate requirement of certain unques-
tionably desirable areas at present rea-
sonable prices, and a liberal immedi-
ate expenditure in making useful and
attractive those tracts most quickly
serviceable to the greatest number.
The commission is unanimous as to
immediate and effective work on the
city park; the requirement by purchase
or condemnation of the north corners of
the bridge and their immediate improve
ment, together with the southeast cor
ner, so that our fine bridge shall have
a suitable setting; the purchase of the
seventeen acres southeast of Thirteenth
and Clay streets, and its immediate de-
velopment, contingent upon a cash con-
tribution of $4,000 towards that purpose
by the neighborhood owners, whose
property will get the immediate adj
vantage of such action; the improve
ment of the Martin and Dennis park,
and of Gage park, and the purchase
of about 400 acres of Martins hill, on
which very reasonable options are now
held.
The $4,000 for which the commission
has asked a bond issue, will provide for
these purchases, and with the half mill
appropriation from the general fund
will leave about an equal amount for
| development work and the care of the
| several small parks in the city.
The commission cannot justify its ap-
| pOintment or do credit to the city and
! itself with less, and while it could make
| a much better showing in two years
with a larger appropriation, it does not
/ desire to ask for a present larger out
| lay than it believes will be cordially and
unanimously voted. While the matter
has not been officially discussed by the
/ commission, the writer believes thai
any well matured suggestions as tC
available sites and their development
will be gladly welcomed, especially ii
such suggestions are accompanied by
assurance of financial contribution fol
such improvement purposes from con
tiguous owners whose property would
be directly and Immediately benefited
E. WILDER.