REPORT 



ACCOMPANYING A DESIGN FOR WASHINGTON PARK. 



To the I 'resident of the Board of Commissioners of Prospect Pa rl.\ Brooklyn : 



Sii:: — In accordance with your instructions, we have prepared, and 

 herewith submit, a design for laying out the public square known as 

 Fori Greene, or Washington Park. 



The ground to be improved — over thirty acres in extent — is in the 

 hearl of the city, and is mainly elevated above the adjoining land. The 

 rise in parts is so Considerable that the surrounding buildings are over- 

 looked, and interesting views are commanded, extending far u)> the 

 East River, and down the Lower Bay. We also, find, that even in the 

 hottest weather of summer, and when the air in the adjoining streets is 

 disagreeably close, a refreshing sea-breeze can often be enjoyed on the 

 higher levels of Fort Greene. 



Owing to the advantages it thus offers of fine prospect and pure air, 

 combined with extended and varied character of surface, the ground 

 suggests a more complete and interesting arrangement of accommoda- 

 tions for popular recreation than can often be attempted in the public 

 squares of large towns; and yet it is altogether too restricted to be 

 properly laid out as a park. 



The general treatment which will be likely to give those who fre- 

 quent the grounds, during the day, the greatest enjoyment, must be of 

 a somewhat rural character; but it is undesirable, with reference to 

 public morals and the general police of the city, that grounds laid out 

 in this way should be left open after dark, or that they should be used 

 for the assemblage of public meetings, the display of fireworks, or for 

 other incidental purposes which bring together large crowds. 



Such public needs maybe considered in the preparation of the general 

 design, but they must not be confused with the objects which are to he 



had in view in the laying out of such portions of the ground as are to 

 possess the character of a garden ; for the requirements invoh ed, being 

 essentially dissimilar, can with no greater propriety be incorporated 

 together in a ground intended for popular resort, than can the re- 

 quirements of a lecture-room and a dormitory be incorporated together 

 in a building which is to be used for educational purposes. 



