166 



in possession, that no more could be done than to devise a plan of 

 improvement, which should render them more useful and credit- 

 able to the city, than they had heretofore been. Surveys were 

 accordingly made, and topographical maps constructed, prepar- 

 atory to the work of remodeling their designs ; but as the law 

 under which the Commissioners are acting did not seem to 

 authorize such changes of plan as were desirable, they were 

 compelled to postpone the further prosecution of the work, 

 until a revision of the law could be procured. A detail from 

 the park force of keepers was, however assigned to them, which 

 has succeeded in preserving quiet and good order thereon. 



At Carrol Park no proper provision had been made for the 

 escape of surface water, which consequently overflowed the 

 walks at every storm. An inlet basin was therefore constructed, 

 at the lowest point of the ground, and connected with the street 

 sewer, which will hereafter form part of the more complete 

 S} 7 stem of drainage which is required for this park. The 

 fence of this park has been thoroughly repaired and painted, 

 and its gas lamps renewed. 



Some repairs have also been made in connection with the 

 City Park, but no sufficient examination has yet been given to the 

 subject of its general plan of improvement. It is quite evident, 

 however, that the study to be made in reference to its improve- 

 ment, will require to be of a somewhat special character. Its 

 near proximity to Washington Park, which, from its greater 

 size and central position, must always offer a more attractive 

 place of resort to the neighborhood, and to a great extent su- 

 persede the City Park as a pleasure ground, presents the ques- 

 tion, whether it is desirable or proper to devote that amount of 

 expense and labor to its improvement, which will be found 

 necessary to render it suitable for the purposes of a public 

 park. 



A variety of suggestions have been made to the Commis- 

 sioners, respecting this property, among others, that if turned 

 to good business account, it would greatly increase the value of 

 the taxable property of the city, and that its central position, 

 and its nearness to the water, render it a tit location for a gen- 

 eral market. These suggestions are not without force, but the 

 Commissioners are not at liberty to take any decided action 

 thereon, and therefore respectfully submit them to the consider- 



