20 REPORT OF THE 



Parade Ground, which had been standing a number of years, was 

 extensively repaired and painted. New gates were also con- 

 structed. Additions were made to the shelter house, to provide 

 better accommodations for those indulging in athletic games. 



POLICE OX BICYCLES. 



The police force was increased during the year by the addition 

 of five men, making the total employed one hundred. On June 

 ist, the force, for the first time in its history, took part in the 

 annual parade of the city police. They were attired in their 

 gray summer uniforms, and their appearance elicited general com- 

 mendation. A new feature in police work, introduced in the 

 early part of the year, was the mounting of three policemen on 

 bicycles, to do duty on the bicycle path. This proved such a 

 success that it was rapidly imitated all over the country, and has 

 now become a common feature of police work. 



By an arrangement with the Tax Office, the Park Department 

 was enabled to pay enough of its assessment for the asphalting of 

 Ninth avenue, from Third street to Fifteenth street, to enable the 

 Department of City Works to proceed with the improvement. 

 In addition to being of great benefit to the property owners, the 

 asphalting of this street will afford great relief to the Park, as it 

 will provide a new road for bicycle riders to reach the Ocean 

 Parkway without going through the Park, thus lessening the dan- 

 ger of collision with vehicles. 



On April 17th, Mayor Charles A. Schieren planted a linden 

 tree, to be known as the " Mayor's Tree," in Battle Pas<. 



Acting under authority of an act of the Legislature, a granite 

 base has been erected in front of the Union League Club, on 

 Bedford avenue, for the statue of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, to be 

 placed upon it by the members of the club. 



Under the same authority, steps have been taken to provide a 

 monument of Gen. Henry W. Slocum, and the contract for its 

 creation has been awarded to Mr. Frederick MacMonnies. 



THE PARKWAYS. 



1 he Ocean Parkway has been improved to as great an extent 

 as the means at the disposal of the Department permitted. 



