10 REPORT OF THE 



described as finished, several additional ones are needed. A 

 sanitary system of drainage from the buildings in the park, is 

 very important to the health of the visitors. There are a 

 number of structures and buildings that the public require, 

 some of which are designated in the original design of the 

 park, but which have never yet been constructed. 



The construction of many of the buildings and bridges of 

 wood, is a mistake which should not be repeated. Twenty 

 years of experience in these matters have shown that a number 

 of such structures have to lie replaced by new ones. They arc 

 expensive to the Department to maintain, and in the end cost 

 as much as if originally built of durable material. Brooklyn 

 should make up its mind to complete Prospect Park. Take 

 ten years, it' necessary, and let each year witness one tenth of 

 the work done. Prior to such a project a finished plan or 

 design should be made. The cost should be carefully esti- 

 mated, and a yearly division of this amount should be allowed 

 by the Board of Estimate, or t\ir city issue bonds at low 

 interest for the purpose of carrying out in sections such a 

 systematic process of completion. 



The city of Brooklyn is old enough and large enough to own 

 a finished and properly maintained park, and the present 

 generation should not be robbed of the pleasure of enjoying 

 such a resort. The completion of Prospect Park should be 

 accomplished as soon as practicable, without materially 

 affecting the rate of taxation. Brooklyn should not fall behind 

 other cities in the attractions of her noble park, unsurpassed 

 as it is in some respects, if not unequalled, by any other park 

 in the world. There should be within its grounds a zoological 

 garden, a botanical conservatory and a museum. These insti- 

 tutions might be supplemented in the future with others, for 

 the exhibition of all the departments of natural history. An 

 extended mall would be a fine feature foi the park, at the 

 Nethermead, and would afford an opportunity to persons of 

 artistic taste and substantial means to erect monuments com- 

 memorative of distinguished personages, and group pieces 

 representing striking ideas. Prospect Park completed, with 



