Providence, R. I. 



Providence, Rhode Island, is a notable proof of this appreciation of the water- 

 ways. The lines of the existing and proposed parks and parkways are largely 

 determined by the streams. The conditions that confronted the Public Park 

 Association of Providence in the number of corporate entities to be dealt with 

 were similar to those that confronted the makers of the Boston system. Provi- 

 dence has solved the difficulty in the same way by the appointment of a Metro- 

 politan Park Commission. This appointment was made only in the early part of 

 November, 1904. It is thought that the Commission will publish its report at 

 about the time that this report on the Park Systems of American Cities appears. 



The existing areas of the Metropolitan Park district around Providence are 

 somewhat less than 1,400 acres. The Blackstone Boulevard is 9,300 feet in length 

 and 200 feet in width. Elmwood Avenue is parked by means of grass plots for 

 about two miles, as our own Girard Avenue ought to be. The shores of Scott's 

 Pond are maintained as a public park by its owner, a manufacturing corporation, 

 in the belief that the enjoyment of them adds to the efficiency of labor of the 

 neighboring employees. 



A general idea of the extent of the proposed additions can be gained by com- 

 paring the brown on the map with the green. A greater area than there appears 

 will, however, be secured for public uses, because of the admirable use of water. 

 Not including these surfaces, the proposed Metropolitan Park System would add 

 about a thousand acres. Mr. Henry A. Barker, Secretary of the Providence Park 

 Association, states : 



"It is expected that a large part of it will be given by owners for the purpose of 

 adding to the value of their own adjacent lands. As the features of irregular contour 

 which give these places special value for public reservations have retarded building opera- 

 tions and the laying out of streets in the past, it is thought that a sum between two and 

 three millions will amply suffice for acquiring such land as needs to be purchased. The 

 length of connecting driveways necessary to make the 'inner circuit' will be about eighteen 

 miles. The ' Pawtucket ' and ' Pawtuxet ' parkways add eighteen more." 



For further information, apply to Henry A. Barker, Secretary of the Metropolitan Park Com- 

 mission, 32 Custom House Street, Providence, R. I. 



