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Report SuptParks November 1893 CF-224-23

Seattle Wash Nov 30th 1893 To The Honorable The Board of Park CommissionersGentlemen The following report relative to the work done in the Department of Public Parks the general work of maintenance is reduced during the winter season, while the work of preparations for the shrubbery borders and floral decoration beds require at this time of the year proper manipulation upon Kinnear Park surface drainage was extended and grading of the inlet bluff walk done. Together with weeding and culture of hardy plants The City Park clearing continued ploughing and preparation of ground to receive Nursery overflow shrubs. The hot beds are completed and transplanting is being pushed in the nursery a set of the following plans are herewith submitted relative to the inprovement of Denny Park. First a topographical one foot contour map of the ground showing thepresent shape - together with a preliminary study of a plan in order to enable you to judge as to the ready adaptablilty of the plan to the

2 natural condition of the ground. The 2nd plans indicate the shape of the ground as finished by one foot contour lines - together with objects - structures etc - The 3rd plan is a general plan - showing all objects. the drainage and irrigation and detailed planting plans will follow after your approval or rejection of the general plan - The plan involves 3400 feet of walks and 900 feet of 16ft promenade. 1st a rostrum built of rockwork at the foot of a Lawned auditiorium 120x150 at the head of which is a music shelter and refreshment pavillion: This lawn to be used for public meetings celebration etc. The next one a play lawn for childern 60x70 feet in area and the girls swings The play stead is 150x230 feet large provided with a seating observation terrace at the upper side. The playstead should be used only at intervals or special permission as the condition of the lawn grass may permit. Two shelter pavillions flank the playstead. There are provided five conveniently situated drinking fountains and three Water closets two for ladies and children one for men upon the Northwest corner is situated a monumental fountain 2

3 for future determination In the upper center portion of the plan is situated a spray fountain with a 35 foot basin at the head of a valley. the spray is flanked and supported by a back ground of dense dark foliage and its waste water will irrigate underground the lawns and trees below it. three rock works are provided forming natural rockeries with stairs to reach the upper grades of the park with convenience while the same can be reached by easy walks. Your attention is called to the fact of the general steepness of the entire ground and in order to retain large unbroken areas for the practical pleasure furnishing of the play lawn. the walks are necessarily crowded to one side. When their grade is found alone proper & desirable limits and if changed must change the entire plan which aimed in the instance to introduce features of amusement recreation and exercise The limitation placed upon the department have made it impossible for your superintendent to perform his duties and attend properly to the preparations of plans, and the gathering of and arranging of matter for the annual report 3

without having employed assistance at his own expense. It is therefore asked of you that the assistance necesary this month be furnished by the Department - to enable your Superintendent to complete said annual Report. The following letter and similar ones have been received I have your note of Nov 4th and the package of seeds which I am very glad to get. We shall do what we can to co-operate with you in establishing an arboretum on the shores of Puget Sound, and in a short time I shall be able to send you a number of seeds collected here in the arboretum or received from our correspondents Another year I dare say there are several things I should be glad to have you collect for us. Yours very Truely C S Sargent Professor of Harvard University- Arnold Arboretum Jamaica Plains Mass 4