New-York tribune., 1902-10-22
P4RK COMMISSIONERS REPORT
LAST QUARTER IN THE PUBLIC
RECREATION GROUNDS

The report OF the Park Commissioners for the
quarter enGlng September 30 was made public yes
1e'uay- Many improvements have been completed
Inc rainy weather OF the summer was excellent for
the grass. and Central Parks appearance fs ex-
pected TO be the best in years. Weeds had -four
Shed. needing much labor 70 overcome them
cultivation and trimming Of strawberries in Cen
tral Riverside and Morningside Parks where there
were new plantations, and the care Of newly plant
ed trees received careful attention In Riverside
Park the trees did especially we'll few dying In
me smaller parks, many Of the newly planted
trees Died In Tompkins Square more than half Of
them Will have 10 be- replaced The loss is be
heved 10 be largely due TO improper policing and
consequent destruction by the young Ioafers who
frequent these downtown parks
quantity of seeds was obtained from the vart-
GUS botanical gardens for trial. and in Central
Fark seeds OF herbaceous plants We're collected for
propagation. The wilddowers planted in Central
Park spread rapidly. especially asters and golden
rods some eight specimens of asters now being
re-established in the woods. Many others also
spread. because OF the protection afforded them
I'm the cultivated borders OF Central Park sunfioW-
ers. yellow daisies and similar composite plants
were grown Much interest in botany and nature
study has been awakened which the Park De-
partment encourages by issuing permits all who
would not abuse the privilege The entomologtst
and his men did good work In overcoming tussock
moths, which were a menace In the spring. The
splendid condition OF the lawns permitted their
use Tor games throughout the summer, tennis.
croquet and cricket being enjoyed by a host Of
young people. About thirty thousand square feet
or sod was laid in bare spaces in the parks Ia
central Park II necessary to practically rc@ur-
lace the entire bride road. Many hundred loads
or useless top dressing removed, and nearly
two thousand cubic yards OF bride road gravel
We're deposited In its place
A permanent carriage entrance TO Central Park.
AT Seventh ave. and Flfty-Hiuth-st was construct
ed II was possible TO do this work without sacri-
hclHg any important tree. Plans for new ap-
prOach TO the east wing OF the Metropolitan Mu-
scum OF Art were prepared, and work was begun.
The concerts in the parks carried through
first half OF September
The parks n Staten Island received more atten-
ton than mas ever been attempted before.
Thomas Jefferson Park was Htted up I'm the
spring with canvas tents and opened a general
recreation ground ball brOuud laid out.
and the people In the vicinity obtained much enjoy
ment and benefit The buildings along the water
'front.' We're removed and an arrangement was made
with the Department OF Docks and Ferries
construct the crib hulkhead for its eutirr length
from One-hUudred -aud-eleVeuth TO Oue-huudTed-
aud-fourtceuth sts Part OF De Witt Clinton Park
at Fltty-SoCoud-st and the North River. used
as Childreu'S farm. Under the direction OF Mrs.
Henry parsons. good results obtained
The East River Park seuWdu IL being pushed 20
competition. The lakes IN Central Park Were
cleared of scLm. but a thorough cleaning Will
neceSstate appropriation In Bronx Park
many roads and teltord walks built. Van
CortiaHdt Park received new roads, walls and
tic fences.