11 



ridges of the hills overlook a charming landscape, bounded on 

 the south only by the ocean, which is in full view. 



The laud proposed for a park at Bay Ridge is well situated, 

 commands magnificent views of the bay, the ocean, Staten Island 

 and the New Jersey shore. It is now purchasable at a com- 

 paratively low price. If, as has been suggested, a macadam- 

 ized road from Fort Hamilton around the eastern side of the 

 city, passing over Prospect Hill, around Ridgewood Reservoir, 

 and so westward to the river at Green Point, should be laid out, 

 this, in connection with the other two great parks and the drive, 

 would afford a public attraction unsurpassed, as we believe, in 

 the world. 



Irrespective of this particular communication between the 

 three parks, Atlantic avenue, if widened and ornamented as 

 proposed by a bill now before the Legislature, will form a com- 

 munication between the Mount Prospect and the Ridgewood 

 Parks, and greatly enhance the value of all the parks as places 

 of resort for health or pleasure. 



The Parade Ground recommended has been, by common 

 choice, used for many years by the military of Brooklyn, and 

 to some extent by that of New York, for exercises and displays. 

 In the opinion of military men, this can be made as perfect a 

 parade ground as could be desired. 



It lies near the termini of the three city railroads spoken of 

 as terminating at Ridgewood. The land is almost perfectly 

 level and smooth, and is commanded by the high grounds of 

 Ridgewood Park as proposed. The Commissioners, after full 

 consideration, are convinced that it is inexpedient to have the 

 Parade Ground within either of the parks proposed ; and that 

 neither the comfort nor the safety of the citizens generally would 

 be promoted by bringing large crowds of men, women and 

 children in close contact with bodies of soldiers, exercising or 

 on parade. 



That these public grounds should now be secured to the city, 

 the Commissioners have no doubt. With the increase of the 

 necessity for them, if not now reserved, will come a rapid in- 

 crease of the cost of finally securing them. By taking them, 

 we know the city in the first instance releases so much taxable 

 property from the taxing power. 



The taxable value of the land lying in the three large parks 

 is supposed to be about $300,000. 



