A RESUME OF THE YEAR'S MORE IMPORTANT MATTERS. 
General Condition. 
The condition of the parks has improved annually. This is attrib- 
utable to the earnest, serious effort of our working force. Few changes 
in the personnel have been made for several years. The officers and 
men are enthusiastic and diligent. Effective effort has been rewarded 
with secure position. Through weekly meetings and reports, the Board 
and their employes are in touch and harmony. 
Parks. 
A gratifying increase in the park attendance was noticeable this 
year. Walking, driving, picnicing, tennis and golf continue the chief 
attractions. 
The Sunday afternoon concerts in Eden Park were attended by 
great crowds, so much so that they cut off travel in the main drive. 
As the old wooden building was beyond economical repair, and as 
there was a fund available through a bond issue of $15,000, passed in 
1908 by Council, the Board built a new music pavilion in the valley 
south of the Art Museum, where it is estimated 20,000 people may be 
accommodated in a natural amphitheatre. The pavilion is architec- 
turally good, the basement holds all the conveniences required by a 
large throng and the structure is permanent. 
^ Street car approaches are much needed to Ault Park, Avon Field 
|4 and Mt. Airy Forest. This need, though it does not prevent their use, 
Cj would greatly increase it. 
^ The small downtown parks have been given especial attention. 
^ They have constantly to be replanted, as city conditions are not 
^ advantageous to the health of the more permanent shrubs and trees. 
In two of these properties, namely, Lincoln and Washington Parks, 
^playgrounds have been developed this year. Handsome, convenient 
^ houses erected, and wading or dabbling pools built. The use to which 
^the children have put them speaks for itself. 
Funds. 
Funds for 1914 were short and had to be distributed with minute 
care. During the first half of the year we counted upon receiving 
^ $170,651 for the year's maintenance. During the second six month's 
-"^period this amount was reduced to $154,584.97. 
By careful husbanding of resources a successful season was 
completed, and 1914 saw our parks at their best thus far, although at 
their least cost for maintenance per acre. 
The Future. 
While speaking of funds, it is evident that those received from 
taxes under existing laws will be insufficient for park needs. 
