58 REPORT OF THE 



Tfye, Smaller Parks. 



WASHINGTON PARK 



This park is the largest and most beautiful of the smaller 

 parks of the city. It is located on the brow of that command- 

 ing eminence known as " The Hill." 1 This choice and conspicu- 

 ous park possesses a peculiar interest to those who visit it as 

 well as to those whose residences face it, from the Revolution- 

 ary traditions connected with its history. It was here that the 

 first fortifications on Long Island were thrown up by the 

 American army. General Greene, in honor of whom the fort 

 is named, had his headquarters on this spot. No battle ever 

 occurred here, as is sometimes erroneously stated, but the 

 advance of the British was checked by these fortifications to 

 such a degree as to characterize it as a signal spot in the 

 history of the Revolution . Washington Park contains thirty- 

 acres. It is filled with many varieties of handsome trees, for 

 the most part well arranged and in a good state of preserva- 

 tion. 



Washington Park is the resort of a great number of young 

 people who gather there to play croquet, lawn tennis and other 

 games. The gentle undulations of its surface render it pecu- 

 liarly attractive to the eye and enhance the value of adjoin- 

 ing real estate. The appropriation for this year, toward 

 improvements in this park, amounts to $7,500. This amount 

 will be expended in repairing the walks in the park, in flagging 

 the Myrtle avenue sidewalk of the gant, in putting the shelters 

 in good order, top-dressing the grass, &c. It is desired, when- 

 ever the necessary appropriation shall be made, to furnish this 

 park with music. It is very much desired by those living in 

 the neighborhood. The view from the plaza is very fine. On 

 this height the annual display of pyrotechnics takes place on 

 the evening of the Fourth of July. This display is always 

 witnessed by a large concourse of people. Taken in connec- 

 tion with all its surroundings Washington Park is one of the 

 most conspicuous ornaments of the city. 



