Page:Report of the Park Board 1903.djvu/60

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REPORT OF THE PARK BOARD
61

ought eventually to be at least twenty-four feet wide, exclusive of gutters, as this is the least width which would permit a rapidly moving carriage to be conveniently driven by a slowly moving one occupying the middle of the road.

Before long, a drive should be extended from the north side of the upper reservoir to the fine view point west of the lower reservoir. There should be a widening or concourse at this point, where carriages could turn comfortably, and to encourage people to stop and enjoy the view. From this concourse the drive could be extended diagonally up the hill to Kingston avenue near the north boundary of the park. If a portion or the whole of the Poorhouse Farm is added to the park, a drive could be extended on a winding course to a view point on top of the ridge. Another drive may be extended from this concourse west of the lower reservoir, southwest along the side of the ravine, and turning at the bottom of the ravine near the abandoned foot bridge, may be extended easterly on the south side of the ravine to a junction with Carter street. If a drive of adequate width can be carried over the dam of the upper reservoir so that one could drive from the Jefferson street entrance conveniently to the concourse at the north end of the upper reservoir, the system of drives thus outlined would seem to be all that is likely to be necessary in this park. The narrow drive running up the hill southerly from the northwest end of the lower reservoir seems to accomplish no purpose not better accomplished by the drives above suggested. The grading which has been already done for this drive is not wide enough for a drive and the crosswise slope is so steep that it would be difficult to widen it, but it can be used for a walk. The same is true in regard to another narrow drive heretofore projected to run southerly up the hill from the west side of the upper reservoir.

If it can be obtained at a reasonable price, it would be well worth while for the city to acquire the point of land where Canyon road joins Jefferson street. This point of land is partly covered with native forest trees, which form a valuable feature of the view from the proposed high concourse west of the lower reservoir, whereas if left in private ownership, it will almost inevitably become an eyesore. For the same reason it would be desirable to take a strip, including most of the steep land from the east boundary of the park south of the lower reservoir around the spur along Canyon road, at least about 700 feet.

The present site of the greenhouse and other administration buildings in this park is too conveniently accessible from the city side of the park, and therefore too valuable for the use of visitors to be permanently occupied for its present purposes. The green houses, barns, etc., ought eventually to be moved up to the terrace along the east side