The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-01-06
Report of Park Commissioners

To the Honorable Mayor and Council:
Gentlemen: Since our last report, we
have made few permanent improve
ments in Riverside park, the largest of
| which has been the completion of the
large arch at the Murdoch avenue en-
trance. The top of this arch has been
covered by a good shingle and tin roof.
the sides and ends by a veneering of
| brick, which makes a good, substantial
structure and one that is a credit to
the city and is commanding entrance
to park. The driveways have been i'm
proved by an additional ten cars of
crushed rock that was donated to the
park by the Santa Fe railway. We also
have piled up at the park ten cars of
shsle from Joplin Mo-, donated by the
Frisco railway and they have kindly Of
fered to send us ten cars more when
wanted. Mr.. Harding of the Missouri
Pacific has also told us TO notify him
as soon as we could use more shale on
the driveways and he would forward us
ten cars. Mr.. Embry Of the Rock Island,
not to be outdone by their competitors,
has notified us to let them know when
we were in need Of crushed rock and
they would send us ten cars OF the same.
BY the liberality of the railways we
will be able to keep the driveways of
the park in good shape for number
of years to come.
We have also established a small zoo
in the park, having secured one of the
largest and finest bull elks in the country
and two elk cows; also three very fine
deer.
We built an artificial lily pond in North
Riverside last spring that has been
great success and a source of amuse-
ment and pleasure TO the visitors to the
park.
The park has been improved in gen.
eral way, by the natural growth of the
trees and shrubs. and many new ones
that we have added from time to time.
North Riverside park has been greatly
injured in the spring of 1902 by the over
flow of the Little river. causing damage
to the driveways. trees and shrubs. The
matter of protection from future trouble
of this kind should be attended to soon,
as the park is liable TO suffer from the
same cause next spring.
Riverside park is conceded by all TO he
the most attractive park in the state,
and in time, will be the handsomest park
in the west.
Linwood park has been much improved
by setting out a large number of elm
and maple trees, also new shrubbery.
We now have the driveways all in good
shape; have reprinted the bridges and
buildings: have improved the south side
of the park by laying out new drive
and building new foot bridge over the
creek. Linwood is handsome little park
and much appreciated by the residents
in the southern part of the city.
In Hyde park We have only kept in
good condition by keeping walks in order,
trees trimmed. etc.
The new park north OF Fifteenth street
has been named Mckinley park: has
been greatly improved by setting out
nd fnO he fnfO
and laying out drivewa4s on the east
and west sides of the creek.
Union park, near the old Burton Car
works has not been improved any ex-
cepting trimming up the trees and cut
ting the grass
Lincoln park on South Lawrence ave-
nue. has been improved by setting ont $50
trees, which are still living and doing |
well.
We have had number of improve
ments under contemplation. but have been 1
unable 10 carry them out for want of l
funds The park commissioners are IN
der obligations 10 the various railways 1
for their donations and assistance.
In conclusion. We wish to thank the l
mayor and council for their kind as I
sistance in what has been done. and pray I
that YOU may be still more liberal with /
US in the future.
c. L. DAVIDSON. President.
G. NJ DICKSON. Secretary
]. ELMER REESE.
January ). 1916.
Report of Street Commissioner.
To the Honorable Mayor and Council OF /
the City Of Wichita:
Gentlemen: 1 have the honor to sub 4
nit 10 you. record of this Office from 4
April 4 10 December 81 1902
The city is growing very rapidly, about 1
seven hundred new houses having been i
bunt within this period. mostly on streets 1
that We have not been required 10 keep i
in condition. These improvements made
II necessary for US 10 open streets for 4
travel and keep them So
We have Go miles OF streets within the
limits OF the city. which required cur
constant attention with large force OF
men. TO keep them IN condition. and IL
can De said without fear OF contradiction
that the condition Of our streets cannot
be excelied by any city il the state
There having been twenty four and one
half miles Of permanent curb built. il has
required the re-guttering OF all Of these
and many more streets b-ougk; 20 grade
TO meet these improvements
large force Of men Was employed