24 REPORT OF THE 



J he .Litchfield Picnic (Trove, 



as before stated, is near the old Litchfield mansion, from which 

 it takes its name. It is in the rear of the old picnic wood, on 

 the long meadow, separated from it only by the west drive, 

 thus placing the new grounds on the west drive of it, which 

 formerly bordered it on the east. 



The refreshment shelter in the old grounds is conveni- 

 ently near to the new. It has an area of about eight 

 acres and is admirably adapted for small picnics, especially 

 where there are little children. It occupies a secluded 

 locality, not liable to be disturbed when there are large 

 numbers in the park. It is guarded on the western side by 

 the Ninth avenue fence, on the southern by a fence to be built, 

 enclosing the stable yards and sheds, on the east it is planted 

 in with shrubbery from the West drive, on the north it is 

 overlooked by the police station at the department head- 

 quarters. The grove, lawn and valleys are as fine as any in 

 the park (see plate which shows one section). The Commis- 

 sioners have decided that these grounds are suitable and safe 

 for young children to have their picnics on. They were 

 nearly finished during the past year, and were pushed as far 

 as the limited means at the command of the Commissioners 

 would allow. This year it is proposed to complete them, and 

 furnish them with the necessary swings, tables, rustic seats, 

 shelter, drinking fountain. Ac. A picnic ground of this char- 

 acter has long been needed, where parents would feel at ease 

 in having their little children secure from being run over by 

 vehicles or bycicles, or hurt by large children and adidts in 

 their games or plays. The Station officer who grants the 

 permits would thus have a large portion of the grounds in 

 view of his office. The change in the appearance of these 

 grounds is such that a person would hardly believe the place 

 to be the same. This section has been used for a long time as 

 a dumping ground for all sorts of things. It was the place 

 where, in keeping the park in order, any and everything 

 that was unsightly was hid away. Many things that were 



