Daily Kennebec journal., 1906-04-17
RHODE ISLAND PARK PLAN.
Metropolitan Scheme Is One Of Great
Magnitude.

Pawtuckct, r. J., April 16.-A metro
politan park system in Rhode Island
seems now on the eve of realization.
III recent years the magnificent Brad
ley woods, the fine grove of pines on
the Seekonk shore near Omega Pond;
the trees at the first rapids of the
Pawtuxet and many other exquisite
features Of woodland scenery that are
hard to duplicate in the park systems
of cities. have disappeared. even while
plans were being prepared for their
preservation. The few remaining
groves, are in danger and speedy action
is necessary to prevent further VAIL
dalsm. The Metropolitan Park Com
mission of Rhode Island for the past
three years has been endeavoring to
arouse sentiment in the state in favor
of q park system. The newspapers
have been flooded at intervals with
literature" designed to educate the
public. On the platform, in season
and out Of season, members OF the
commission have forced home upon the
people the advantage to be derived
from the plan. And now it appears
that their efforts were not in vain.
In the legislature a resolution has
Just been introduced to submit to the
electors Of the state proposition to IS
sue bonds for carrying out the plans ot
the commissioners and those IN posi-
tior, to know declare that it has an cX-
csIlont chance of passage. Thc
Mytropolitan Commission has obtained
the services Of Frederick Law Oimsted,
whose experience with majority OIL
the more notable park systems Of the
country has given him the highest rank
as an expert adviser Mr. Olmsted
has accompanied the members of the
commission on many of their tours OF
Rhode Island AS a result of their
inspcction a map has been designed OF
thc various districts which come un-
der the general plan. This map OF the
"motropolitan district" represents an
area that contains the dwelling places
of about three-quarters of the residents
of the state. although it covers less
than one-cighth of the territory. 1t
has been made evident that the cost of
the sites recommended would involve
enormous expenditure in the way Of
drainage and grading. if used for other
than park purposes. and that even IL
imnroypd. they would inevitably be OC-
cunied by all that is Objectionable and
undesirable in a city's growth. On the
othcr hand. the map shows that there
are great possibilities for the creation
Of n magnificent system of pleasure
ero,,ads and valuable public reserva-
tions. and that the entire project would
c.11 for the removal of not more than
seventy or eighty buildings. Not more
tban 100 acres of land having any con-
siderable commercial value are to be
touched. The matter of connecting
roadways between the various parks in
providence. Pawtucket. Cumberland.
Lincoln and the various other sections
where marks are planned has received
the careful consideration of Mr.. Ohm
sted. and a plan similar to that adopt
| cd bv the Metropolitan Park Commits
sio, Of Massachusetts in the districts
surrounding Boston has been recon-
mended.
T. 10 planned first to procure such
narts of the natural park lands rs
would most speedily disappear if not
| nrotccted, and to develop them gradu-
al,y first making them accessible and
u.eful by simple roads and paths
necessary bridges. seats and shelters
II ia considered that existing feature: