DEPARTMENT OF PARKS. 35 



perfect artists in this particular line of work, there can be no doubt 

 that the result of his endeavors will prove a fitting adornment of 

 the two magnificent pedestals at the Third street entrance. 



IMPROVING THE PLAZA. 



Much thought and attention has been given to the Plaza front 

 of the Park. The erection of the Memorial Arch has entirely 

 changed the character of this circle, as designed by Olmsted & 

 Vaux, when the Park was laid out. Then the outer world was 

 excluded by the erection of beautiful mounds, a great fountain 

 surrounded by colored lights was the centre feature, and statuary 

 was contemplated for adornment. The result was especially 

 pleasing ; but the stern architecture of the Arch and its enormous 

 size have overshadowed the original production, and the Gothic 

 style has been ruined. Beside this, the enormous quantity of 

 water required for the fountain, and the inability of the City to 

 spare it, has resulted in leaving the fountain dry most of the 

 time. During the summer season, the Park Department being 

 unable to find the money required for any alteration, the offer of 

 the Brooklyn Heights Railroad Company to provide a system of 

 illumination by electricity and colored lights was accepted, and 

 during many nights of the season a magnificent spectacle was pro- 

 duced, that drew thousands of people to the Park to enjoy its beau- 

 ties. A plan has been adopted, and during the coming year the style 

 of the fountain will be altered so as to produce as nearly as possible 

 harmonious results, worthy of the magnificent entrance to the 

 Park — an entrance unsurpassed by anything of a similar character. 



One step toward the improvement of the Plaza has been taken 

 in the re-arrangement of the northern end in accordance with a 

 plan prepared by Olmsted, Olmsted & Eliot. The two rail- 

 road companies using the Plaza were requested to change their 

 tracks last year, but the companies were then in a state of transi- 

 tion and would not agree to do so. Since then the new manage- 

 ment in each concern decided to relay the tracks, and the 

 Department took advantage of this to have them relaid where 

 desired, and to improve the condition of the Plaza by putting 

 down a concrete sidewalk, adorned with trees and grass, and 

 affording facilities for people to board or leave the cars without 

 endangering life. 



