The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1906-03-23
UNITARIAN CLUB
ADOPTS PARK
RESOLUTIONS

to a most interesting stereoptcon lecture
on the proposed metropolitan park system
by Henry A. Barker after dinner at the
Wellington last evening.
Mr.. Barker Is a member of the comms-
sion appointed 10 report or the park pro-
ject which has been publicly agitated py
the club for two years.
The after-dinner exercises, which were
opened by President Henry ID. sharp con-
sisted of addresses by Dr. Fenner H.
Peckham. chairman OF the park comnls,
sion, Henry A. Barker, It's secretary anu
Alfred Stone chairman OF the executive
committee.
Presient Sharpe called the meeting TO
order at $3.50 and spoke IN part as follo~s.
"One OF the most striking Things tnal nai
impresses Itself on American NlsiIvis M
abroad Is the luxury and extent OF tne
park systems OF the great cities lnsy
would astonish many on US az nome, Mho
do not seem 10 realize the value OF paIhs,
We are coming 20 better reallza'io.
of this in recent years as we see tht
children In our great cities growing Wy ol
the sidewalks and in the streets WIN nv
place 20 see nature, much less 10 pay
ball Here In Providence with the STOW
ing appreciation OF ting need OF outuoVI
spaces has come into belns WHAT ~
known as the metropolitan park system
ideal. This project proposes 10 gamer
under one central administration lne
parks OF many cities and towns OF Ihe
district centring around IfoNluchCe' ih
idea was first sprung on the people OF
Providence and vicinity two years ago
Immediately thereafter the park coInnls-
sion was appointed and now aIler W. tmo
years OF labor it's report has been pre-
pared This evening we have with US four
members OF that commission. some OF
whom will tell OF the possibilities CON
tained in the metropolitan park IDEA.
DR.. Fenner III. Peckham was the next
speaker and said in part:
"The beneficial influence OF parks, open
spaces and recreation grounds on the
health. happiness and prosperity or a
community is universally admitted. IN
my opinion there is no better legacy which
we may leave to posterity than the de-
velopmant OF a metropolitan park system
along the lines as proposed by the com
mission The project needs the influence
and hearty corporation OF all It's frlenus
for it's successful accomplishment The
early as possible befoxe buildings en-
croach upon them and values increase so
as 10 render the cost prohibitive. De-
velopment can follow as demands war
rant Az time passes the public Will more
fully realize the value OF such park sys-
tenn and posterity will give us credit Tor
our foresight and good Judgment
'T will leave II 10 my friend, Mr.. Bar
ker. - explain more fully tire minutia OF
the commissions plans"
Seats were then turned towards a screen
arranged for stereopticon illustrations
and Alfred A. Barker was introduced as
lecturer OF the evening.
Mr.. Barker spoke in part as follows:
''Beautifying the community is not. rs
many seem 10 think. the primary object
OF a system OF parks The welfare or the
community in future years, It's industrial
success and ats desirability as an abiding
place depends upon securing proper
system OF parks The area included In the
metropolitan district as designated ny
the legislature has present population OF
ocoo oan L. In,
20 years To provide for the needs or d
half-century hence we must plan for "a
population OF n million and a half
1--WE are planning for the everlasting
benefit OF the many against the greed and
short -sightedness OF the few, he de-
clare,l "The legislature. however VIII
not give what one person asks for nor
what a small group OF people ask for, and
unless II passes the act now before II, the
work cannot begin for at least two years
more, Think how many trees can be cut
down ponds contaminated, and available
area takes up in that time 10 the In
crease OF the ultimate cost OF the system
when adopted. and 10 the inevitable in
Jury OF it's completeness No project now
before the legislature Is so pressing as
this, Lost opportunities cannot be regain
ed Trees cut down and ponds contamina-
ted and filed up cannot be restored.
Alfred Stone was the last speaker. Ow-
ing 10 the lateness ofNthe hour he did not
make extended remarks. but spoke forci-
] bly, OF a few opportunities that have al
ready been lost in the matter OF park pro-
jects. showing how the short sighted /at-
ting of real estate in portions OF the East
side section had already resulted in much
expense TO the city which would have
been unnecessary II properly done
once | was told. said he that
might live 10 see the city reach a popula-
tion OF $1,000 and now we have 200.o00.
This project is "A real economy. You
have everyone friend In the legislature
Buttonhole him Impress on him the me-
cessity of taking action now for the bene-
III OF future generations.
To-day we are moving swiftly toward
the destruction OF that which IL is abs -
lutely necessary In the interests OF tho
future we should preserve"
| DR. Peckham suggested that in addition
to the "buttonhoing each membei
pledge himself TO speak IL only a few
words In favor OF the project at all pub
| lie hearings where an opportunity was
| given
The reading of a set Of resolutions by
| Prescott O. Clark and their adoption by
| the club brought the AFFAIR 10 a close
| The resolutions declared the clubs ap.
proval OF the proposed metropolitan park
system and urged the Legislature TO make
] adequate provision az the present sessions
| for its establishment
uAc AcnCDTcn nAli