The San Francisco call., 1910-08-03
EXTENSIVE PLANS
FORMED FOR PARKS
Commissions Make Their First
Formal Reports on Works
of Civic Ad0rnment

OAKLAND, Aug. 2.-The first an
nual report issued by the park and
Fairgrounds commissioners in the form
of an illustrated pamphlet, recounts
the work accomplished by the two
bodies. and the plans for future park
DEVELOPMENT, which are being carried
out under the direction of Landscape
ArchitecI Prayer and other attaehes OF
the departments. The park commission
report follows:
Under the able leadership of the
city's landscape architect, oscar Praser'
every portion of the city is being stud
led and those places best adapted for
parks are being noted, the most pic
turesque connections between existing
parks are being mapped and the IN
dividual treatment which each PARK
should undergo will be recommended.
The acquisition of Mosswood and it's
connection with Lakeside through Oak
land glen and Richmond avenue, is
receiving careful consideration.
mo city possesses greater possibili-
ties in the development of an enchant-
ing driving park through Indian gulch
and Dimond canyon, and while there
is no intention at present to acquire
these lands, they are, nevertheless, be-
ing given consideration in the general
plans for the future and will in time
be made to contribute their part to-
ward enhancing the value of the
whole
The utilization of Lake Merritt and
the surrounding lands is recited by the
park commission as its first object in
preparing a center for the beautifica-
tion of the city. The report comments:
"The development of Peralta park.
between Eighth and Twelfth streets,
will insure a logically situated and
artistic setting for a union passenger
depot fronting thereon between
Seventh and Eighth streets. The
Southern and Western Pacific tracks
now cross this block. and railroads en-
tering the city could be brought. to
this centrally located depot. Such a
depot would front on a park of 38
acres and would form the natural axis
to another building facing 1t along
the north side of the Twelfth street
dam.
such building has been planned.
It is evolved from the old boathouse
idea and now reaches the proportions
of pleasure casino. Preliminary
sketches have been made and they are
so beautiful and such building pos
utility, that funds for its erection will
be voted on at the coming bond elec-
ton
For the current year.. reports the
playground commission, 1--WE asked for
$3S,000 and received $4,000. With this
amount we have completed a modern
playground in Bushrod park, started
a playground in De Fremery park and
the Garfield school grounds and are
maintaining playground at the
Tompkins school grounds. Two most
urgent requirements for the success
full establishment of Fairgrounds in
this city are necessary funds and abb
solute; authority by the commission in
the expenditure of its budget"
The park commission is composed of
Wilson S. Gould, James p. Edoff and
Walter G. Manuel, all appointed by
Mayor Mott, April 10, 1909. Henry P.
Vogt is secretary. On the playground
commission are A. S. Macdonald, Miss
Ethel Moore, c. E. Hudspeth. Mrs. Cora
E. Jones and Mrs. G. w. Bunnell, COM
missioners, and George E. Dickie su-
perintendent. Mayor Mott named this
commission in January, 1909.