The First County Park System in America—II 
the Legislature, the press and the people, would 
retain public confidence and support, to the lasting 
benefit of the whole county and State. 
Thus was the bark of the first county park 
enterprise safely launched, in smooth water, under 
fair skies, without a reef or ripple in view. 
The public response to the announcement of 
appointment of the new commission was as cordial 
as it was generous. Both editorially and in the 
news columns, all the leading papers within—and 
some without—the county were emphatic in their 
commendation of the project, and referred favor¬ 
ably to those selected to 
perform the preliminary 
work. 
“Not in this country, 
if in the world,” said the 
“News” at that time, “is 
there another place where 
the eye can look upon 
the dwelling places of so 
many people as may he 
seen on a clear day from 
Eagle Rock and other 
good points of observation 
on the Orange Moun¬ 
tains. ” 
Favorable Condi¬ 
tions. The reader may 
now readily appreciate the 
favorable conditions under 
which the first park com¬ 
mission began the dis¬ 
charge of its duty on the 
organization of the board 
on the afternoon of 
June 23, 1894. It was 
with interest and enthusi¬ 
asm that each of the com¬ 
missioners took up the 
work entrusted to him. 
A position and condition 
of trust had been imposed 
and accepted, with the 
sincere desire, I believe 
shared in by all, to be 
loyal to that trust and the 
obligations incurred. 
With the prevalent sentiment of confidence that 
had been extended by the public, by the Legislature, 
by the press and by the court, what greater incen¬ 
tive could be placed before a body of men than was 
thus placed immediately before the commission at 
that time ? The members soon found that in the 
work before them they were both officially and per¬ 
sonally congenial, and that differences in conviction 
were soon moulded into harmonious action for a 
common purpose. Such was the fact; and as I now 
cast a reflective view hack to the efforts and results 
attained by that board, it occasions in my mind less 
surprise than ever before that this preliminary com¬ 
mission should have accomplished in about half a 
year that which it was authon/ed to occupy two 
years in doing, and that less than ore-half of the 
available appropriation of $10,000 had been ex¬ 
pended. 
One of the first matters looking to results that was 
decided by the commission, was as to the desira¬ 
bility of getting in touch with the various governing 
bodies of the county. It was felt that, not only 
was each locality entitled 
to be heard regarding its 
preference or recommen¬ 
dations, but that the hoard 
would be strengthened, 
and in many ways assis¬ 
ted by calling out the 
wishes and suggestions 
from various parts of the 
county. It was agreed 
that the most feasible and 
effectual way of doing 
this would he through a 
communication addressed 
directly to each of the 
local authorities and as¬ 
sociations interested in 
municipal improvement. 
The Commission’s 
Letter. “The outlining 
of a plan that will result 
in the greatest good to 
the greatest number, by 
the most direct methods 
and at the least cost, ne¬ 
cessitates wide research, 
and the f ullest suggestions 
as to localities and their 
availability. To these 
ends, and in the spirit 
indicated by the law, and 
the court, we invite your 
co-operation in according 
fair consideration to every 
portion of the district. 
“That the p r o m p t 
location and acquirement of a comprehensive system 
of parks in the county is desirable, if not impera¬ 
tive, for the health and prosperity of the people, 
appears to be generally admitted. Indeed, that 
this community is belated in this important public 
improvement is quite too apparent. 
“The experience of other places demonstrates 
conclusively that parks are the most appreciated 
where most liberally provided. The more the 
public realize their advantage to health, to property 
FREDERICK W. KELSEY 
45 
