386 
Park Commission 
To quote further from the records of the Board of Public Service: 
''At the November election of 1908, the people voted in favor 
of a Park Commission under the provisions of the Ohio Statutes, 
and in accordance therewith Mayor Markbreit appointed the first 
Board of Park Commissioners, December 10, 1908, consisting of 
L. A. Ault (for three years); 
Wm. Gilbert (for two years); 
Julius Fleischmann (for one year)." 
By referring to the Table of Park Commissioners, page 399, the 
names of those who have served the city in this capacity may be 
ascertained. The commissioners are appointed by the Mayor for 
terms of three years each, one expiring annually on December 10. 
The Board of Park Commissioners has diligently prosecuted its 
work, ever bearing in mind its essential object — the Kessler plan. 
It has not been always possible to procure land corresponding exactly 
to the theoretical lines of this plan, but properties have been acquired 
as nearly identical as conditions permitted. Maps have been pre- 
pared for general distribution, showing the Kessler plan in light 
green ; the park properties, prior to the creation of the commission, 
etched in black; and all acquisitions since, in dark green. 
On January 1, 1912, the commission consisted of L. A. Ault, 
President; Wm. Gilbert, Vice-President; and George Puchta, Auditor. 
On May 9, Mr. Gilbert resigned, and Irwin M. Krohn was appointed 
by the Mayor to fill the vacancy. On June 1st, the Secretary and Gen- 
eral Manager, M. C. Longenecker, resigned. A reorganization of 
the executive force followed. Wm. Hodgkinson was made Secretary; 
C. H. Meeds was continued as Engineer, and H. E. Greensmith was 
made Horticulturist. Reference to the table of organization, page 
398, will show the new working method. On October 31st, Horticul- 
turist H. E. Greensmith resigned. His duties were assigned to 
the Park Engineer. 
On December 10th, Mr. Puchta's term expired. He declined with 
regret the honor of reappointment by the Mayor, owing to his ina- 
bility to give the necessary time to the Park Commission. D. B. 
Meacham was appointed to the vacancy. 
During the past year the office force, foremen and sub-foremen 
have been brought under civil service. The total number of park 
employees has varied from a minimum in winter of 165 to a maxi- 
mum in summer of 350. 
The city appropriation for the maintenance of parks for the 
year 1912 was $165,585.00; the collections of the department were 
$1,068.00; the net cost to the taxpayers therefore being $164,516.32. 
The balance of the park bond fund on December 31, 1911, was 
$414,221.85. On December 31, 1912, it was $70,506.90. $176,121.54 
was expended in the acquisition of 412.812 acres of new properties. 
$167,593.41 v/as expended in the permanent improvement of park 
properties. By reference to the tables, pages 404 and 406, these ex- 
penditures are seen in detail. 
