DEPARTMENT OF PARKS. 3 I 



and Richards streets, ioo x 125 feet, which cut out one corner of 

 the park, and which was not acquired by my predecessor, was 

 purchased this year for $9,500. This squares the lines of the 

 park. The squatters upon the land were removed, and the 

 park is being brought to a proper grade, a task of great difficulty, 

 owing to the nature of the fillings. 



At Bushwick Park the proper grade has been established, the 

 natural sandy soil covered with loam, paths laid out, a drainage 

 system provided for, lawns created, hundreds of trees planted, a 

 fence constructed and hedges planted. 



At Sunset Park very little was done toward development, but 

 the foundation of a retaining wall was constructed along the Fifth 

 avenue side. 



At Ridgewood Park the grading of the main drive was com- 

 pleted and a carriage concourse constructed in the centre portion 

 of it, to provide a place from which people in carriages could come 

 to a standstill to enjoy the beauties of the surrounding country. 

 A new drive was partially built to the west of the reservoir prop- 

 erty, leading out to Myrtle avenue and paths were cut out through 

 the woods. The laying of curbs, the planting of trees and the 

 macadamizing of the roads have been started. At my suggestion 

 the Commissioner of the Department of City Works, who has 

 very kindly acted in co-operation with me whenever it has been 

 possible, has caused to be constructed about the edge of the new 

 reservoir a magnificent wrought iron fence, ornamented with 

 lamps which will be lighted by electricity, the current to be sup- 

 plied by a dynamo placed in the pumping station. This will be 

 of great beauty as well as of service in lighting up the park in the 

 evening; it will also be one of the most picturesque sights in the 

 city, as it will be visible for miles around. 



At Tompkins Park there has been the usual work performed 

 in the way of preservation and development, and during the sum- 

 mer months the fence was painted. A new feature in this park was 

 the introduction of Saturday afternoon concerts, during the month 

 of August, by the excellent military band maintained at Fort 

 Hamilton, led by Gustav Koitzsch. The music was greatly 

 appreciated. 



At City Hall Park the lawns and flower beds were kept in the 



