259 



The somewhat comprehensive system of drainage and water 

 works required for use in this park has been well advanced, and 

 nearly four and a half miles of drain pipe, with two and a 

 quarter miles of iron and cement pipe for water distribution, 

 have been laid. 



The grading, paving and planting of the interior of the Plaza 

 is mainly complete, and in the course of the ensuing year it is 

 intended to construct the large fountain basin which is to 

 occupy the center of this important feature of the park design. 

 ■•Two archways, which were in progress at the date of the last 

 report, have been finished, one of them for the passage of the 

 walk under the main circuit drive near the entrance, and the 

 other, the east road arch near the head of the lake. Two 

 others are in progress, large quantities of stone having been 

 dressed and prepared for the purpose of carrying on the work 

 early in the spring. About twelve acres of the lake have been 

 completed, and the Assistant Engineer's report will show to 

 what extent the ice formed thereon during the season has been 

 enjoyed by throngs of merry skaters, male and female. Early 

 in the coming season the lake will have been increased in its 

 dimensions to the extent of about twenty acres, and filled with 

 water, adding a new and beautiful feature to the interesting 

 scenery of this neighborhood. 



In their last report, the Commissioners directed the atten- 

 tion of the Common Council to the fact that a large amount of 

 taxable property had been added to the city since the com- 

 mencement of active operations on this park, and showed from 

 the records of the Board of Assessors that the increase in the 

 three wards immediately contiguous thereto, to wit: the Eighth, 

 Ninth and Twentieth Wards, amounted to seven million, four 

 hundred and eighty-two thousand six hundred and ninety-two 

 dollars. They observe, from a recent examination of the same 

 records, that the increased valuation of real estate within the 

 same territorial limits, for the year 1868, is three millions four 

 hundred and ninety-three thousand one hundred and fourteen 

 dollars, and has amounted in the whole to ten millions nine 

 hundred and seventy-four thousand eight hundred and six 

 dollars since work commenced on this park. An increase 

 which, during the same year, has added to the revenue of the 

 city, from these three wards alone, full ninety thousand dollars 

 more than the annual interest on the whole park debt. 



