The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1909-03-25
IMPROVEMENTS
IN CITY PLAYGROUND

Park Superintendent G. l.. Skutt
and his force of Workn,en are this
week grading the dam. preparatory to
cOnfining the waters of the upper lake
in the city recreass@on grounds 10 the
increased lakebed which has been
made by excavation, and by the end
of the week the big lake will be prac-
tically completed and ready for the
boats which are to be put in operation
this season. Mr.. Skutt said his morn
ing that one Walla WaTlan, whose
name is being kept from the public,
had agreed to donate boat for the
lake, and that either an electric or a
gasoline launch, and possibly both,
would be donated by people who are
taking an interest in the development
of the 40acre tract.
The upper lake in the park will answer
double purpose, the supply be-
ing connected directly with the city
mains for use in an emergency. BY
opening the big valve at the outlet the
water may be turned into the city
system, and when closed, the overflow
will be carried into the smaller lake
near the Whitman street entrance,
thus giving the south side of the tract
two excellent boat ponds, and one at
the northwest entrance.
While the big lake is as yet in the
rough. Park Superintendent Skutt pro-
poses to landscape the land adjoining,
slope the banks and seed them to
grass and flowers, and cons, ruct q
rustic railing on three sides of the
place. The dam which is nearing com
pletiOn, will be closed entirely today
or tomorrow, when the overflow will
be checked, and the wafer level raised
foot or more. Workmen are eXcavat-
ing at the east end of the ravine, for
the forma ion Of an island near that
end of the lake. Rustic. benches are
to be placed there, and grass and
flowers planted making a unique spot
for boating parties to rest.
Plant Flowers Soon.
Attention in the park thus far has
been directed to the lake, but as soon
as this work is completed, the flower
plants, several thousand of which are
now in the hot beds, will be set out,
and additional shrubbery added The
swings for the childrens playground,
together with other paraphernalia will
soon be installed, and the pergola, be-
ing erected on the big mound at the
north side, under the direction of the
Woman's Park club, will be practical
ly complete Saturday night, the con-
crete foundations for the colonial
posts having been already installed
With the completion of the band
stand in the big circle, those who en-
joy the weekly concerts may enjoy the
shade and rustic benches of the per-
COLA while listening to the music. 1t
is not definitely known yet whether
the band stand can be erected this
season, but the concerts are to be
given as was done last year.
Depending On Tag Day.
Much of the improvement work in
the city park is depending upon the
success of "Tag Day." Saturday
March q, when the members of the
Woman's Park club will make a grand
endeavor to secure funds with which
to keep development work well under
way. Many Of the smaller details so
necessary to a recreation ground are
to be looked after by the Park club,
and the success of "tag day. will in a
great measure, determine the extent
of further development il the park.