New-York tribune., 1901-03-03
NEWS OF BROOKLYN.
PLANS FOR ISLAND PARK.
JoHN DE WOLF WOULD MAKE PRESENT
HABITATION OF CRIMINALS AT
TRACTIVE FOR PEOPLE.

An interesting movement is on foot TO transform
fhe northern part Of Blackwells Island into naval
mark and drill ground for the marines al the
T2rooklyn Navy Yard Captain Henry c. Taylor
and Father ChidWlck. OF the Navy Yard, accom-
panied by Corporation Counsel Whalen. recently
called on Mayor Van Wyck and presented letter
from Secretary Of the Navy Long. which contained
a formal demand from the Government for the
northern portion of Blackwens Island for Govern
rnent purposes Prominent in the movement is
John De Wolf the landscape architect of New
York city. At the Brooklyn Department OF Parks
Mr DE Wolf yesterday. in conversation with a
Tribune reporter, set forth the advantages of the
project.
He said the militia had places for drill in the
Kings County parade ground Prospect Park,
and al Van Cortlandt Park, and 1t did not appear
why the sailors should not have the same privi-
leees the soldiers. Those who were interested
IN the matter had consulted President Clausen. OF
the Park Board, and he had referred il to Mr. De
Wolf. II was known that The northern part OF
Blackwelrs Island was to be vacated in the spring,
and there had been general impression that the
city would take the island FOR park. Accord
ingly Captain Taylor and Chaplain ChidWick. who
was chaplain of the Maine when she destroyed
In Havana Harbor. and who faithfully devotes him
self to the improvement OF the condition OF the
at the Navy Yard. consulted Mr.. De Wolf. He
told them that such park proposed was
desirable and that he could objections TO It,
The idea" said Mr.. De Wolf, 'is not to turn
the island any part Of il over the Navy but
10 make il a city park under the control OF the
Park Commissioners. and give it the character of
a naval park. ] think the parks should be indi-
Vidual and different from each other to make them
most attractive Captain Taylor tells me he al
ways has plenty Of men available. and the problem
and expense Of taking OF the park would he
almost nothing. The Navy Department would sup
ply al the labor necessary for the construction and
maintenance Of the park. 1t is in embryo yet but
the more think of it the l favor the plan.
The letter which Secretary Long wrote to the
Mayor will probably he referred to President Clau-
sen, and by him TO me. We ought 10 DO all can
10 make New-York attractive We have thousands
Of visitors here an the time a large proportion of
them from the interior. They all want a glimpse
Of the water, and viii even so to Coney Island for
the purpose on the coolest days of winter 1t will
be Interesting for them 10 how the marines
Grill 1t is the prctties drill in the whole country
The commandant Of the Navy Yard tells me
the Navy band viii play at the park every day
Tree ot expense. In fact. il viii be as attrsc:ivr
park as any in The city All the other navai r.
have place for naval museum, where 81,
sea nights can be preserved. An attempt e.
such museum was tried here several years aLg.
and a number of relics were sent on from An
napols. but they dispersed. Old igureheaas
OF famous hattleships always interesting. All
the great battleships Of the American Navy have
bronze plates or sureheads, and in time the ships
viii pass out Of existence Their bronzes might
be kept in the museum proposed. The park would
nected with the Navy Department Blackwelrs
Island is beautiful spot II is in the heart Of the
city and it seems shame il should be occupied
by paupers and criminals who have no opportunity
10 enjoy il, IL they could appreciate it. The
plan for naval park is exceedingly popular among
people generally who familiar with the project,
and have not heard of any who is opposed
10 IL with the exception of Controller Coler II is
a wonderful opportunity for improving the heart
OF the city.
1T should he clearly understood that it is pro-
posed 10 give the land the Navy Department,
but that the city should take it a park ana give
10 the AaNy privileges similar TO those enjoyed by
the militia in other parks. There is much TO be
said in favor OF the project and there is sound
objection against IT, Ny own idea is that the
whole island should be taken for a park
Controller Coer said IL would doubtless be
good thing for the sailors have a drill ground.
but there was plenty OF suitable ground in Brook
An which could be easily set aside for such pur-
pose. lie maintained that the city hospitals
adequate the demand upon them, and
he in favor Of having the buildings on Black
wells Island which were to be vacated renovated
and made adjuncts Bellevue any other city
hospital. The necessity for additional hospitals
continually increasing in proportion to the
growth of the poorer classes. he asserted
Or the northern end Of BlaCbWells Island are
seven separate wooden paVilions one story high,
each OF which accommodates about sixty patients,
and which now house insane women.