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CITY OF BOSTON

PARK DEPARTMENT

BOSTON PUBLIC UBRsRV

GOVERNS ; DOCUMENTS DEPARTMENT
RECEIVED

JUN 1 1999

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SPECIAL REPORT

1925

CITY OK BOSTON

PARK DEPARTMENT

SPECIAL, REPORT

1925

Boston, December i, 1924.
Hon. James M. Curley,

Mayor of the City of Boston:

Dear Sir,— The Park Department submits the following report, which reviews
the relation of the Park System to recent park developments. The report also describes
important plans which are now tinder construction or which are to be carried out in the
near future in the Fens, at the Zoo, at Castle Island, in the newer playgrounds, and at Co-
lumbus Park and elsewhere. Inquiries are constantly made of this Department regarding
the future development proposed for the open spaces of the City, and the parks and play-
grounds included in this report have been the subjects of special public interest. This
review of the plans and the purposes of the Department will assist in giving desired informa-
tion in convenient form, and will also make a useful permanent record for future reference.

The Department is making good progress with a special report on the future develop-
ment of the Park and Playground System of the City. This material is being studied
with the growth of the industrial areas and the residence areas, in order to make an intelli-
gent forecast of the probable needs of the next quarter to half a century. Further reference
to this work is given in the appended report.

Respectfully submitted,

James B. Shea, Chairman.
Charles A. Coolidge, Commissioner.
Myron P. Lewis, Commissioner.
William P. Long, Deputy Commissioner.
Daniel J. Byrne, Secretary and Chief Clerk.

Arthur A. Shurtleff, Landscape Architect.

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MAP Of THE

METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
BOSTON

Showing local public I'cyerviitiona ami holdings of the

METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COMMISSION

PARKS DIVISION

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5CALE OF MILES

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SMILES

LEGEND
I 1 PARKS OF THE CITY OF BOSTON
H LOCAL PARKS AND RESERVATIONS
L7.Z! METROPOLITAN RESERVATIONS AND PARKWAYS.
:..; PROPOSED METROPOLITAN PARKWAYS.

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PLATE I.— MAP OF METROPOLITAN DISTRICT SHOWING BOSTON PARK SYSTEM IN RELATION TO OTHER PARKS AND PUBLIC OPEN SPACES.

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THE BOSTON PARK SYSTEM.

The Boston Parks deserve the term of "System," first because they are physically
connected by an unbroken string of wide and attractive connecting parkways which lead
from the Common at one extremity to City Point at the other terminus; second, the term
is appropriate because these open spaces are laid out in a single style without conspicuous
breaks of design which would tend to divide the string into sections of different type;
third, the local parks and playgrounds which are by necessity detached from this string
are distributed methodically to provide, as far as possible, equal recreation opportunities
in the outlying sections of the City.

Though this system may be complete today, it cannot remain so in the future with-
out the constant acquisition of new park and playground areas or the improvement of old
areas. The constant growth of the City makes this growth of the System necessary. This
is not a theory upon which the City might be urged to act, but it is a fact upon which the
City is constantly acting, and with special energy at the present day. There never was
a time when new playgrounds were being more rapidly acquired and old playgrounds more
generally enlarged and improved in their facilities than at the present time.

The parks of Boston are rendered still more perfect as a System and more useful
individually through their relation to the outer ring of Metropolitan Parks and parkways
which were developed after the Boston Parks were established. Each system is becoming
yearly more essential to the other. The map of the Boston and the Metropolitan Parks
(Plate II) shows the position and size of each of these groups of parks. The map also
indicates the location of the small local parks of the surrounding cities and towns of the
district. The question at once arises, have these recreative facilities reached a point of
development in which one group is duplicating the work of other groups? A general
examination of the actual use made of these parks on Sundays and holidays, as well as on
week days, indicates that they are all in intensive use. Many of them, like the bathing
beaches and the ball field areas, are unable to accommodate the throngs which seek them.
There are no idle parks or playgrounds. In the winter season, it is true, greater use might
be made of the wooded reservations and the larger country parks by snowshoers, trampers
and "nature study" parties. This is a problem of education. In the summer season,
however, the call to the parks is natural and constant. The present need is to bring the
parks nearer to the homes by creating more recreation areas in the residence districts.
The doorsteps and the streets will continue always to serve as play spaces on certain
days, at certain hours, and at certain periods in childhood and in old age, but the play-
ground and the park will be a public necessity always.

Transportation wil-l probably never provide such rapid and such cheap transit that
the families of one neighborhood will go by preference to distant neighborhoods for play-
grounds. Consequently there appears to be no immediate danger of duplication of local
playgrounds. With regard to the large country parks which should be spaced widely,,
a duplication might occur if they were placed near together, but at present there is no
chance that such a liberal supply of these desirable open spaces could be afforded. If

[ PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPORT.

our climate were more bitter and the waters of our shores very cold, we might soon possess
too many bathing beaches in a combination of the Boston and the Metropolitan Systems,
but with our present climate and with our population of enthusiastic bathers, the hot weather
crowds overtax all the public beaches, and trespass upon the private beaches from
Plymouth to Portland. In the case of special recreative features like zoological parks,
special collections of plants or flowers, great public stadiums, duplication may be possible
in the future, but at present the opportunities for special study or amusement afforded
by these examples are still short of the capacity of Boston and the district to enjoy.

The Department, at the request of his Honor Mayor Curley, is now making a detailed
study of the future development of the local parks and playgrounds of Boston. This
study will indicate the districts in which additional facilities of this kind are now needed,
or in which they will be needed in the future if the growth of the City continues at the
present rate. The study will also consider in greater detail the relation of all the recrea-
tive facilities of the district to the population of the City.

The relations between the Park Department and the City of Boston Planning Board
have been very helpful. In determining the locations for future playgrounds, the help
of the Planning Board has been especially important. Evidently playgrounds and other
recreation areas should be placed where they will not interfere with the future local street
extensions or with main thoroughfares. Similarly it has been possible with a degree of
confidence to secure the abandonment of streets which have heretofore separated parcels
of playground area and thus unite them in a single tract, as in the instances of the
Christopher Gibson and John A. Doherty Playgrounds.

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PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPORT.

BOSTON COMMON.

The program of replanting the Common with vigorous young trees set out in large
tree pockets or in large continuous loam beds, as fast as individual decrepit trees die,
is showing satisfactory results. Along the Beacon Street Mall, and along the malls of
Park Street and Charles Street, the young trees are now large enough to indicate the good
effect which may be expected of them during the next few years of growth. At the music
court of the Parkman Memorial, in general along the path system of the Common as a
whole, and at the Frog Pond, all the newly planted trees are thriving. As the small-leaved
linden and the English elm have best withstood the smoky atmosphere, drought, severe

BOSTON COMMON. GENERAL VIEW OF LIBERTY MALL TAKEN FROM TREMONT STREET LOOKING TOWARD THE STATE HOUSE.

winters, and attacks of insects, these trees have been used in all the new plantations. All
trees are frequently inspected for insect pests, and spraying is carried on systematically.
Tree pruning and repair work is carried out when required. Trees which become too old
and decrepit to respond to special care are allowed, out of consideration of public senti-
ment, to stand, until they die branch by branch or until ice storms or wind complete their
destruction. Young trees are then replanted to replace them.

Plans have been made during the past two years showing the location, name, size,
and condition of every tree on the Common. Soil improvement facts are also recorded.
The position of desirable tree locations and needed soil improvement areas are also recorded
and used systematically at each planting season. Substantial tree guards are used with
all newly planted trees to protect the bark from injury, and to prevent boys from climbing
and breaking the branches.

(6)

PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPORT. 7

The expense of making, maintaining and storing the plank walks which were formerly
used extensively in the autumn, winter and spring on the gravel and macadam walks of
the Common to avoid the nuisance of mud, led to a long search for permanent materials
for walk construction. Brick laid dry and in mortar, block pavements, sheet asphalt,
special types of gravel and crushed stone paths, smooth concrete slabs with ruled joints,
rough concrete with hidden joints, monolithic concrete with curbs cast with the slab, flag-
stone, loose pebbles, and many other types were tried. It is frankly admitted that the old
fashioned gravel, brick or flagstone walks are the most pleasing to the eye, but with pre-
vailing methods of snow removal by power scrapers, and under the stresses of the weight
of trucks, granolithic slabs have proved to be the most practical materials for the wide

GENERAL VIEW OF ONE OF THE FLIGHTS OF STEPS AT THE HEAD OF THE LIBERTY MALL.

malls over the subway roofs, and for the intensively used narrower paths. The Charles
Street and Beacon Street Malls present so extensive a surface and have thus far carried so
few foot passers, that these footways have been allowed to remain with gravel surfaces.
Experiments are being made to find a method of staining the concrete slabs to reduce their
glare and whiteness without impairing their strength.

In adopting permanent materials for the walks, the cost of construction became so
serious a factor that certain walks which were used chiefly for local cross-cutting were
given up, and other walks which had become worn to unnecessarily great width by care-
less upkeep were made narrower. The reduction in the total area of walks also reduced
the cost of cleaning and repairs, and at the same time added agreeably to the extent of the
grass areas open to public use in hot weather and gave larger space for the growth of the
roots of the trees. In certain instances these changes were regretted as they changed the

8 PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPORT.

local appearance of the districts affected, and reduced the number of convenient short-
cuts, but as a whole the public has approved the changes. The arrangement of the paths
forming the Liberty Mall (dedicated October 27, 19 17), and the relocation of the Brewer
Fountain, was also brought about during the period of changes noted above. All this
work was done after full discussions of the problems in the press, at public hearings, and in
conference with societies especially interested in the preservation of the Common. As
a whole the appearance of this public open space has been improved greatly, though the
quaintness of the old dirt paths has been lost. The use of the Common has greatly increased
in the meantime both as a sitting and walking place, and as a mere cross-cut zone. Less
difficulty is experienced in keeping "jay walkers" from walking on the grass alongside
the paths, as the paths are now smoother and dryer to walk upon than the grass.

Among other changes which have taken place of late is the rearrangement of seats
and paths at the Parkman band stand, the construction of a public sanitary on Flagstaff
Hill, the creation of a new path forming an extension on the Common of the Boylston
Street Mall of the Public Garden, the widening of Boylston and Tremont Streets to a curb
width of forty- three feet, the widening of Park Street, the flooring of the Frog Pond with a
concrete bottom to render this pond a cleaner place for wading, the erection of a new fence
and entrance gateways at the corner of Charles and Boylston Streets, the widenings of the
traveled way of Charles Street, the erection of new gate posts of old pattern at the Charles
Street and Park Square entrances, and the erection of many permanent seats.

These changes on the Common have been made in accordance with the general
plan which is shown on Plate IV. With a few minor changes the structural work is now
practically complete, but the care of the trees and the general upkeep of the grounds is a
difficult problem always present. It is the purpose of the Park Department to maintain
the trees, grass and paths of the Common in a high degree of excellence, and to keep its
original character intact. In this important work the bequest of Francis Parkman has
been a most practical aid.

In commemoration of the reunion in Boston last summer of the Veterans of the Grand
Army of the Republic, trees were planted in the Common on Monument Hill. These
trees were placed where they would secure the best sunlight and in specially prepared soil.
Markers of marble, properly inscribed and placed near each tree, indicate their relation
to one another in symbolizing the States of the Union.

BOSTON PARKDEPARTMENT

General Plan for.

BOSTON COMMON

tJCALEOF FEET

ARTHUR.- A-JHURTLEIT —LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT.
JTATE .STREET • BOSTON MA53

HfVlSEDTO JANUARY- 1923 -

PLATE IV.— GENERAL PLAN SHOWING DEVELOPMENT OF BOSTON COMMON. SEE DESCRIPTION ON PAGE 5

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PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPORT.

COMMONWEALTH AVENUE, VIEW LOOKING WEST FROM MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, BEFORE ELIMINATION OF DANGEROUS CURVES

AND ROAD JUNCTIONS.

COMMONWEALTH AVENUE, VIEW LOOKING WEST FROM MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, AFTER ELIMINATION OF DANGEROUS

CURVES AND ROAD JUNCTIONS.

lo PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REP0R1

THE FENS PLAYGROUND.

The extraordinary growth of schools, colleges and other educational institutions
near the Fens, between Brookline Avenue and the Art Museum, has brought thousands
of pupils into a region which is well equipped with park areas, but which has lacked play-
ground space especially for school games of baseball and football. When the first schools
were built, the pupils used vacant lots on the upland for their sports. Subsequently when
the low wet land of the Fens was reclaimed from salt marsh, this flat ground, although
intended for park lawns and for tree and shrubbery areas, was eagerly sought by the schools
for ball fields. These demands upon the park became more frequent and more urgent as
the number of schools increased. As time passed, it became apparent both that some
permanent provision should be made for these playground activities, and that these play
spaces should not be allowed to preempt so great a portion of the park as to change its
landscape character. In the neighborhood between Simmons College and Jersey Street
the demand for ball fields had already required a resurfacing of the ground, and it became
evident that this play area was destined, unless organized, to destroy the shrubbery and
grass areas further east toward the Art Museum. The Park Department therefore decided
to develop the western portion of this area to accommodate two regulation baseball dia-
monds, and to define this tract definitely for such use by fences, marginal plantations,
and border walks. Beyond these limits, the park landscapes were to be restored and
developed in accordance with a carefully studied general plan.

The first steps toward a realization of this improvement are now under way.
Ground within the space reserved for playground purposes has been graded. The sur-
rounding plantations of trees and shrubbery, which will give shade and hide the necessary
back nets and other structures of the field, will be installed. To avoid the unsightly
appearance of temporary wooden grandstands and to meet the pressing demand for spec-
tators' benches, the Department is constructing permanent concrete bleachers of good
design. The height of this structure is limited, however, to five rows of seats in order to
prevent it from interfering with views across the Fens from roadway to roadway. A
field house of low height is to be built against the bleachers where it will be as inconspicuous
as possible. Within the building public toilets will be built, and a limited number of
lockers and shower baths will be installed. All these constructions and the back nets are
to be hidden as fully as possible by vines, high -growing kinds of shrubbery, and by low-
branching trees.

The public footways of the park are to be carried around the marginal screening
plantations of the playground. Therefore, to pleasure seekers wishing to enjoy the land-
scapes of the park, the playground activities will not distract attention from the river,
and from the reasonably ample borders of sedgy ground, grass land, and the slopes rising
to the roadway. Reference to the plan on page 12 and the bird's-eye view on page 11
will indicate the general character of the work under way and contemplated. See also
pages 13 and 14 for a description and plans of the proposed development of the region
adjacent to this playground, opposite the Museum of Fine Arts.

PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPORT

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PARK DkTAKT.MKXT, SPECIAL REPORT

PLATE VI— BACK BAY FENS. PROPOSED ARRANGEMENT OF WATERWAY, PATH SYSTEM, BRIDGES, BOAT LAND?
AND PLANTATIONS OF TREES AND SHRUBBERY OPPOSITE THE ART MUSEUM. SEE DESCRIPTION ON PAGE 13-

PARK DEPARTMENT. SPECIAL REPORT.

L3

PROPOSED FENS IMPROVEMENT OPPOSITE THE ART MUSEUM.

Reference has been made on page 10 both to the need of providing playground
space in the western section of the Fens, and to the desirability of developing adjacent
portions in a park-like manner in keeping with the landscape ideals of the Park System.
A start is to be made toward the general landscape improvement of the Fens, by the develop-
ment of the tract opposite the Art Museum. Recognition of this building is possible in
the design of the park by arrangements of water, meadow land, and woodlands to form

BACK BAY FENS. VIEW SHOWING PRESENT RELATION OF GROUND, WATERWAY AND TREES TO THE ART MUSEUM.

vistas for the enjoyment of visitors who approach the Museum, and also for the pleasure
of those who enter the park from the direction of the galleries. Evidently this local adapta-
tion of the landscapes of the park to the Museum should not be carried so far as to create
formal compositions appropriate to this edifice but at variance with the continuity of the
naturalistic landscapes which give unity to the Park System. It is also evident that special
local compositions of this kind, even though naturalistic in character, cannot be repeated
often in the Fens without danger of a loss of unity in the design of the park. With these
reservations in mind, the Park Department proposes to create opposite the Museum a
landscape composition in harmony with the park and arranged to display the northern
portico of the building pleasantly and frankly from the roadways, paths and lagoons.
This landscape treatment is to be studied carefully for composition as seen from the build-
ing, and from the roadways, paths and stairways which give access to the park opposite
the building.

1 1

ARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPORT.

A description of the plan and bird's-eye view of this improvement (see page 12 and
Plate VI I) briefly is as follows: The curving park roadway and bridle path which pass the
front of the Museum are to be straightened to form lines parallel with the building. Using
a port inn of the space thus gained, the stream opposite the center of the building is to be
widened to form a reflecting pool or lagoon of sufficient size to accommodate boats. The
trees which now obscure the Museum from this aspect (see photograph, page 13) are to be
rearranged to frame the portico of the building as shown. To accommodate pedestrians
wishing to cross the path toward Jersey Street, two paths are to be provided, one from the
Huntington entrance and the other from the Ruggles Street entrance. Two bridges,
symmetrically placed, are to be built to carry these footways across the stream at each
end of the lagoon. A broad flight of steps also connects this path system with the lagoon

STREAM AND BRIDGE IN MUDDY BROOK PARKWAY.

and the footways at the Museum entrance. Opposite the stairway a landing platform
for boats and a low terrace with a balustrade is to be installed. Beyond the lagoon to
the north, a large space of open meadow is to be maintained. This open space is to be
flanked by scattered trees and groves, but sufficient openings are to be arranged to give
good vistas across the intervening meadows and the water to the portico of the building.
Studies of the angles of sight have been made in deciding the location and extent of the
pool to insure good reflections of the great colonnade. The east-west path system follows
the margins of the composition without detour, and connects the bridges. Plantations of
shrubbery and trees are to be set out to give shade for the paths, to form screens, and in
general to support the margins of the open spaces. This work has been planned to har-
monize with the plan of general development of the Fens as a whole.

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PLATE VII.— BACK BAY FENS BIRDSEYE VIEW OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT IN FRONT OF THE ART MUSEUM. SEE DESCRIPTION ON PAGE 13 AND ACCOMPANYING PLAN PAGE 12.

ARTHUR A. SHURTLEFE. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT.

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ARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPORT,

15

ENERAL VIEW OF COMMONWEALTH AVENUE AT CHARLESGATE SHOWING CONDITION OF ROADWAYS AND WATERWAYS DURING

CONSTRUCTION, PREVIOUS TO IMPROVEMENTS.

GENERAL VIEW OF COMMONWEALTH AVENUE AT CHARLESGATE WEST, SHOWING NEW BRIDGES AND ROADWAYS.

Hi PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPOI

THE ZOO.

Great importance should be laid upon the point that this special tract devoted to
a collection of animals and to the Rose Garden and its adjacent Herbaceous Garden, to
the Mall and its terminal colonnade at the Peabody Circle, should not be made a part
of the landscape of the great naturalistic "Country Park" which is the controlling compo-
sition of Franklin Park. The most precious landscapes of the Park System and of the
countryside about Boston are in Franklin Park. There is little chance that these land-
scapes will be excelled. The Zoo is a unit which must be kept within the topographical
and landscape bounds which now define it. If it were allowed to encroach upon the
"Country Park" or if amusements which are appropriate to the Zoo were allowed to find
a place in the heart of Franklin Park, very serious harm would result. The heavy and high
screening plantations which border Glen Lane were deliberately designed to protect the
landscape of the "Country Park" from the irrelevant and, therefore, disturbing attrac-
tions which were permitted to find a place on the ground now devoted to the Zoo. Simi-
larly, the heavy woods north of the Playstead were maintained at their full height and
density to screen from the landscape of the park a collection of native animals which it
was thought might find a place upon the ridge among the trees. Fortunately the bounds
which frame and screen the Zoo are ample for the accommodation of a thoroughly satis-
factory and reasonably extensive collection of animals. There is nothing in the size or
contour of the ground or in the location of this tract which can handicap it in becoming
one of the most important Zoological Parks of the country, or to justify trespass upon the
great "Country Park."

The Zoo is confined to the limits of ground described above, and it uses the border
screens of trees which are essential to the "Country Park" as a useful background and
shelter plantation. Buildings of low height and quiet color are used in order to present a
group of structures as inconspicuous as possible when seen from without. Interior plan-
tations of trees are an important element of the plan of development. They are arranged
to reinforce the present boundary screens, to provide shade between and within the en-
closures, and to give a sense of space and separation. (See Plate VIII.) Trees are
to be planted in naturalistic groups except along the Mall, which is an adaptation at less
width of the original formal "Greeting," intended to be used as a great entrance esplanade
for the accommodation of horse-drawn carriages, riders and pedestrians. The exhibits
of animals, birds and flowers are arranged in symmetrical groups where they are asso-
ciated with the Mall, but elsewhere they are placed in conformity with the rolling and
ledgy contour of the ridges and hills. Buildings of picturesque type are used wherever a
departure from regular forms has been possible. Temporary buildings for housing deer,
elk and bison are built without attempt at picturesque effect, and the simplest materials
and methods of construction are used. In erecting permanent structures, the Board has
aimed to provide buildings which are best adapted to the health of the animals, and which
will give the greatest satisfaction to visitors to the park. It can be said without hesita-
tion that each permanent building thus far erected is the best of its kind in this country
and provides shelter for exhibits which are not excelled elsewhere.

Boston Park Department

Franklin Parr

PLATE VIII.

PARK DEPARTMENT, SPIK'IAI. REPORT.

17

A large element in the successful development of the Zoo has resulted from the con-
stant adherence to the general plan of layout which was adopted when the first exhibit
(the bear dens) was installed. Improvement of the details of the plan has followed special
study devoted to each new acquisition, but the general plan has not been the subject of
change. Consequently, the Zoo has taken form rapidly. Public attendance has increased
far beyond expectations. The recent development of the elk and deer ranges, the exten-
sion of the much needed Mall plantations, and the construction of the Rose Garden (see
Plate IX) have awakened new public interest and enthusiasm for the Zoo. It is hoped
that the grading of the Mall can be completed before another season. This improvement
will greatly assist in handling the crowds of sightseers, and it will form an important scenic
addition to the work already completed.

FRANKLIN PARK ZOO. A PORTION OF ONE OF THE FLOWER BORDERS OF THE HERBACEOUS GARDENS.

is PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPORT.

THE ROSE GARDEN.

Over two years ago his Honor Mayor Curley brought to the attention of the Board
the growing popularity of rose garden displays in City parks. Near at home, in Spring-
field and in Hartford, displays of this kind attract great crowds to the parks on Sundays
and holidays, and bring flower lovers to these centers from all parts of New England.
The time seemed ripe for the creation of a garden of this kind in Boston. After thorough
study a satisfactory site was found near the Herbaceous Garden in the Zoo at Franklin
Park. General public approval of this project followed, and much interest was shown
by the local flower and garden clubs, horticultural societies, and by organizations and
cities in the West. Working plans were consequently prepared and the garden has now
become an accomplished fact. (See general view on Plate IX.) To save a season's time,
the first installation of roses was made in the spring of 1923, as soon as the ground was
graded, but before the walks, trellises, fountains and the walls of the garden were built.
These structures were partly completed during the following summer, and thousands of
visitors evinced their interest by visiting the work to see the roses during the period of
construction. The rose arches, the gates, and other details of the garden were finished
during the following winter, and the garden was opened in completed form last May.
Over seven thousand roses will find a place in the garden. The best roses which can
be grown successfully out of doors in this climate will be used. Pillar roses, climbers,
standards, dwarf and other types will be grown. Upwards of eighty-four varieties have
already been set out.

In form the garden is oval. The central panel is sunken and is approached by four
nights of steps. In the center is, a circular water basin and fountain. Trellises resting
on a curtain wall of concrete, and interrupted by massive concrete piers, form the enclo-
sure of the garden. Upon these trellises and walls, climbing roses are grown. At the four
cardinal points of the oval, attractive concrete niches and arches are built to give points
of ascent, and to provide gateways. Permanent construction is used throughout the gar-
den and it cannot fall into ruin through need of repairs in the wooden panels of trellis.
Around the garden flowering shrubbery and trees have already been planted.

The general location of the garden is at the westerly end of the lagoon proposed
for the future extension of the Herbaceous Garden. (See the general bird's-eye view,
Plate X.) Shelter from the wind and a southerly exposure to the sun have been found
here on ground which lent itself to the form and the extent of the garden and to the need
of well drained soil. A natural background of large trees was also present. The main
path system of the Zoo leads to the site, and near it are placed the most important exhibits
of the Zoo, including the Bears' Dens, the Bird House and Flying Cage, the Elephant
House, the Lion House, and the collections of deer and elk.

It is estimated that the number of visitors to the garden during the season of con-
struction was in the neighborhood of fifty thousand.

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PLATE IX.-FRANKLIN PARK ZOO, GENERAL VIEW OF ROSE GARDEN, SHOWING SURROUNDING WALLS, TERRACES, ENTRANCE GATES, ROSE ARCHES, PATH SYSTEM AND FOUNTAIN.

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PLATE X.-FRANKLIN PARK ZOO BIRDSEYE VIEW OF VICINITY OF HERBACEOUS GARDEN AND ROSE GARDEN SHOWING THE RELATION OF THESE FEATURES TO THE MALL. SEE DESCRIPTION ON PAGE 18.

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FRANKLIN PARK, GENERAL VIEW OF LARGE PLAY FIELD.

FRANKLIN PARK IN WINTER SHOWING A TOBOGGAN SLIDE.

20 I'AUK DEPARTMENT, SJ'ECEVL REPORT

CHRISTOPHER GIBSON AND JOHN A. DOHERTY PLAYGROUNDS.

The effective area of this playground has been vastly increased by the addition to
it of that portion of Geneva Avenue which lies between the two triangular parts of the
field. Although this strip of street did not exceed 50 feet in width, its acquisition has
united the detached parcels, one of medium size and the other of small size. The single
tract thus formed is of distinctly ample size for general playground purposes. This change
has also greatly reduced the dangers which formerly involved the approaches to both sec-
tions of the playground, and it has simplified the problem of providing locker building
facilities and superintendence. Under the new arrangement of streets, one field house
can be made to serve both areas, and at most seasons, a single caretaker can oversee play
on both play areas. Persons approaching or leaving the park by trolley cars are accom-
modated by a convenient landing platform which has been installed as a part of the rear-
rangement of tracks involved by the street changes. Briefly the playground is now one
of the most satisfactory local areas for intensive recreation in the City.

The ball field has been regraded to give a nearly level surface to accommodate a
full sized diamond with space for a small diamond of 60 feet. High fences surround the
diamonds to keep the balls and the play within bounds and to localize the foot entrances.
The latter are placed nearly opposite the adjacent street intersections in a convenient
relation to the bleachers and to the play spaces, but they are subdivided with substantial
posts to prevent the entrance of motor cars. Provision is made, however, to allow trucks
to enter in case grading operations or construction work is contemplated.

It was the intention of the Department to place the bleachers at the southern end
of the field and arrange in U shape to embrace the infield. In response to the request of
residents of the neighborhood, however, the bleachers were built in a single bank of seats
along the northeasterly margin of the combined diamond and football field. This grand
stand accommodates 2,000 spectators. Toilets and showers for visiting athletic teams
have been installed temporarily in the closed space under the bleachers, but these will
be replaced later when the new field house is built. The row of trees behind the bleachers
has been preserved. The plan on page 21 shows the general layout, and the position of
drinking fountains, the flagstaff, and the other features described.

The lower section of the playground is to be laid out with swing shelters (built),
see-saws, and tree plantations to provide shade and to screen the streets. The ground is
to be graded to give a satisfactory surface for a play field for the use of girls and small boys.
The contour of the surface is to be moulded to permit the flooding and the shallow pond-
ing of water in winter to form a skating place.

PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPORT

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22 PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPORT.

THE CHRISTOPHER J. LEE PLAYGROUND.

In the easterly section of South Boston, good playground facilities have been pro-
vided by the enlargement and improvement of the M Street recreation area. By dis-
continuing the block of Second Street, between M and N Streets, a substantial addition
to the play space of the ball fields has been made and has also permitted a relocation of
the bleachers upon the steep slope of the higher ground which was previously nearly value-
less for park or street purposes. A thoroughfare for foot passers has been arranged across
the northerly margin of the bleachers. This footway also furnishes convenient approach
to the bleachers from below, and the general path system of Independence Park at the rear
furnishes ample approach and good standing room at the rear of the bleachers. The
bleachers are constructed of concrete and are provided with continuous wooden seats
furnishing accommodations for about 4,100 spectators. Both baseball fields are served
by this extensive bank of seats which stretch along the full length of the football field.
By placing the backstops of the ball diamonds at opposite ends of the pair of fields, these
superstructures do not interfere with the free use of the combined fields in the football
season. In the winter, flooding a large area of the ball fields is made possible by the
shallow basin-shaped contour of the ground. Skating can thus be enjoyed when the fields
are not used for other purposes.

In the Christopher J. Lee Playground generous space is provided for the use of girls
and small boys. This play area is separated by fences, and rows of trees around the mar-
gins screen it from the streets and field. Arrangement is made for tennis, basket ball,
volley ball, and other sports, but the grounds are subdivided to make baseball on full size
diamonds out of the question. In these days when the demand for increased baseball
facilities is so insistent, play space for girls and children can hardly be dedicated per-
manently to their use unless the area is actually unsuited for the play space of the larger
boys. Swings and a shelter are provided for the youngest children at the end of the field.
Between the two general subdivisions of the playground, a field house is arranged
for the use of both sections. The permanent structure of masonry has ample accommo-
dations for the regular patrons of the play spaces and for visiting teams, and is exceedingly
pleasant in general appearance. Lockers, showers, dressing rooms, attendants' office,
storerooms, and a heating installation are included in the equipment. The building,
which was designed by Messrs. O'Connell & Shaw, is placed in a location which makes
possible an agreeable composition with the great bank of bleachers, the adjacent fields,
and the adjacent streets. As a whole the Christopher J. Lee Playground is one of the
most conveniently arranged and best equipped open spaces for intensive play in the City.
It serves a large section of the City, and is resorted to by thousands of players and spec-
tators. On the event of special ball games, greater crowds assemble here than at any
other local public playground in the built-up area of the City. It was named in memory
of a World War soldier who lived at 75 Hancock Street, Dorchester, and who died Jan-
uary 3, 1920, as a result of injuries received at the Meuse-Argonne, October 26, 1918. He
was a member of the 101st and I02d Infantry and was promoted to the rank of Major of
Infantry on September 24, 1918.

PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REP0R1

23

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24

PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPORT.

COLUMBUS PARK.

Columbus Park (see bird's-eye view --Plate XIV and plan --Plate XIII) is
approaching completion in accordance with plans adopted by the Board in February,
1922, in pursuance of the general program of development which was advocated in the
inaugural address of his Honor Mayor Curley. The waterfront boulevard having a
length of 3,800 feet is graded, curbed and surfaced. Granolithic sidewalks have been
constructed on both sides of this pleasure roadway, and electric lights are installed. Shade
trees, bordering these walks, will be planted in the spring. The great circle on the high
ground near the railroad bridge has been completed, and motors are using the circle to

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THE CIRCLE AT THE

enjoy the extensive views of the City, the play fields of the park, the bathing beach, Dor-
chester Bay, and the distant waters of the outer harbor. This circle connects the former
roadways of the park and Columbia Road with the new waterfront boulevard. The circle
is also arranged to receive and to distribute the traffic of the southern portion of the Old
Colony Boulevard when that metropolitan thoroughfare is constructed and connected
with the northern section already built. Columbus Park, which is now linked with the City,
the Strandway, and Franklin Park, on the north, east, and west, will then be united directly
with the southern district and with the main roads leading to Cape Cod. The park will
be accessible to a very large population, and its roadways will form important links in the
main pleasure thoroughfare of the district.

The new bath house, having a length of 360 feet and with lockers, showers and other
accommodations for about 2,000 persons using the beach, is finished and will be ready
for use next spring for its second season. The building which is fireproof and thoroughly
modern in its equipment is made of brick with granite trim. It stands at the water's edge,
at a point about midway of the length of the beach, and is consequently within easy reach

PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPORT.

25

of South Boston and the district approached by Columbia Road and its tributary streets.
The beach, which is of sand, is gentle in slope and is not near dangerous currents. Its
length from the Strandway to the extreme southern point of land is 3,000 feet. The
combined length of this new bathing beach, and the present bathing beaches which con-
nect it with the Head House at City Point, and thence to the causeway is approximately
if miles. The value of this great water park to Boston and to the district is enhanced
by its accessibility, by the safety of its shores, and by the well equipped bath houses,
shelters, parks and playgrounds with which it is associated. It is near the yachting acti-
vities of Dorchester Bay and overlooks the shipping of the harbor. The accommodation
of motor vehicle pleasure traffic has been considered at length in the design of the park.
The roadways of the boulevard will accommodate four rows of vehicles, of which two rows

COLUMBUS PARK.

may be parked except at rush hours. Special parking spaces of large area have also been
built on the margin of the beach at each end of the bath house for the accommodation of
motors from which bathing parties wish to proceed at once to the beach without use of
the bath house facilities. These parking spaces, which are capable of extension, are sur-
faced and curbed with concrete, and measure 700 feet in length. Motor vehicles are
excluded from the promenades and from the athletic fields.

The athletic field which occupies the central portion of Columbus Park between
the boulevard and Old Colony Avenue, has an area of about 35 acres. It has space for a
dozen or more full size baseball and football fields. A field house and locker building
have been built, with a quarter mile track. A space of about 2\ acres has been set apart
for a special playground for girls and small boys as shown on the general plan. As a whole
the opportunities for intensive play on the great plain are greater than upon any other
park area of developed ground in the district. The acquisition of a satisfactory landing
field for aeroplanes in East Boston has removed from Columbus Park a demand for uses
which would have reduced its value as an unbroken field for athletic sports, pageants

20

PARK DKI'AIIT.MKNT, special REPORT.

and reviews. The grading operations, which have already been completed in more than
half this great area, are arranged to permit the whole or parts of the expanse to be flooded
in the winter for skating.

South of the athletic fields, on the rising ground toward the great circle, space is
set apart for grass areas bordered by shrubbery and trees and finished with seats for the
accommodation of those wishing to enjoy a view of the park and of Dorchester Bay. The
trees are to be planted in groves to afford shade, but these foliage masses are placed where
they will not block the prospects from the circle or the high ground near it. In fact a
portion of the street tree planting of the shore boulevard south of the bath house is to be
omitted in order to prevent the obstruction of wide views of the waterfront as seen from
the high ground. Approach to the groves and grass spaces is to be provided by footways
leading from the circle and connecting with the path system of the waterfront. The ground
which will be devoted to this general treatment is about ten acres.

Between the upper sections of the Shore Boulevard and the extreme southerly
point of the beach, a triangular plot of gently sloping grass land is to be laid out. Trees
and shrubbery are to be used sparingly, however, in order to avoid the danger of inter-
rupting the water views as seen from the upland and the roadway. Along the southerly
margin of the park, however, a heavy planting of trees is to be set out to form an effective
screen against the industrial district which is springing up on the marsh level. This planta-
tion will form a grove, the eastern end of which will approach the point of land. Upon
this promontory an attractive shelter will be constructed to afford a pleasant view and
resting place for sightseers wishing to enjoy a view of the full sweep of the beach from
the lower level. This general section of the park is subgraded, and the main granolithic
walk is built to the point.

STRANDWAY AT SOUTH BOSTON SHOWING BATH HOUSE, BOAT HOUSE, BEACH AND FLOTILLA OF BOATS.

PLATE XIII.

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PLATE XIV.— BIRDSEYE VIEW OF COLUMBUS PARK

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PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPORT

27

FRANKLIN PARK SHOWING CROWDS AT SPECIAL OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT.

SNOW SCENE IN BOSTON PARK SYSTEM.

28 PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL^ REPORT.

CASTLE ISLAND.

The growing importance of Castle Island in the development of the South Boston
waterfront has become apparent. In the summer the throngs of pleasure seekers at the
beaches have increased more rapidly than accommodations could be provided. The crowds
which could not be accommodated at the Strandway made use of the meager approaches
to Castle Island. The constant use of the temporary wooden causeway now falling to
decay has shown that the public is willing to walk a long distance and to experience dis-
comfort in order to enjoy the breezes and the ocean and harbor views from the old parade
ground and from the terraces and outer works of Castle Island. Fort Independence itself
draws an increasing number of visitors each year.

As the temporary causeway will soon become impassable, the Park Commissioners
have made plans to replace it by a tree-shaded roadway and a water-side promenade
placed on the earth fill already provided adjacent to the wooden structure. It is proposed
to carry these approaches to the high ground near the outer battery at the western end of
the fort, and thence between the officers' ancient quarters and the fort, to the southern
extremity of the parade ground beyond the grove of great elms. In consideration of the
extensive use made by the public of the comparatively narrow strips of grass on the north
and east terraces of the fort, automobiles will not be permitted to make a complete circuit
of the island. Motorists will be accommodated, however, by an ample roadway, by a
parking space on the high ground overlooking Pleasure Bay, Dorchester Bay, and the
Harbor, and by the large motor concourse, already mentioned, on the parade ground at
the point of the island overlooking all the waters to the east, south and west. The plan
(Plate XVI) and the bird's-eye view (Plate XV) show the proposed general plan and its
relation to City Point, the Strandway and Columbus Park. Industrial development of
the flats north of the causeway upon filled ground is shortly to take place. The plan
indicates a portion of the general layout which the state proposes for the approach to this
industrial area, and the relation of this development to the roadways and the promenade
of the causeway. The construction of the causeway would create opportunities for another
large bathing beach within easy reach of the City trolley lines and in proximity to the
main motor routes.

PLATE XV—

EYE VIEW OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF CASTLE ISLAND IN CONNECTION WITH MOTOR ROAD, CONCOURSES, BATHING BEACHES, RECREATION GROVES. SEE PLAN ON PAGE 29 AND DESCRIPTION ON PAGE *8.

AUK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPORT

29

30

PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPORT

LIST OF PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS, PUBLIC SQUARES, ETC., AND LOCATIONS.

[Playgrounds starred are named for soldiers killed in the World War.]

No.

Present Name.

Mary Hemenway Playground. . .

Fred C. W. Olson Square *

Andrew Henry Square *

Algonquin Square

Stanley A. Ringer Playground * .

Alvah Kittredge Park

Arborway

Arnold Arboretum

James L. Cronin Playground *. . .

Belmont Square

Bennett Playground.

Berners Square

Berwick Park

Billings Field Playground

Blackstone Square

Boston Common

Brighton Square

Bromley Park

Camp Meigs

John W. Murphy Playground * .

Gustave Emmet Square *

Castle Island

Cedar Square

Centervale Park '.

Central Square

Cornelius J. Mahoney Square * . .

Ceylon Street

Charlesbank

Charlestown Heights and Dewey

Beach.
Chestnut Hill Park

City Square

Columbia Road

William E. Carter Playground

Columbus Park

Columbus Square

Commonwealth Avenue

Concord Square

Copley Square

Copp's Hill Terraces

Previously Known as

Adams Street Playground

Public Square

Adams Square

Algonquin Square

Allston Plaj:ground

Alvah Kittredge Park

Arborway

Arnold Arboretum

Ashmont Playground

Belmont Square

Bennett Plaj'ground

Berners Square

Berwick Park

Billings Field Playground. . . .

Blackstone Square

Boston Common

Brighton Square

Bromley Park

Camp Meigs

Carolina Avenue Playground .

Carruth Square

Castle Island

Cedar Square

Centervale Park

Central Square

Centre Square

Ceylon Street

Charlesbank •

Location.

District.

532 Adams Street

Junction, Adams and Codman Streets. .
Junction, Adams and Granite Streets...

Algonquin and Bradlee Streets

Allston Street

Highland Street and Highland Avenue .

Prince Street to Franklin Park

South, Centre and Walter Streets

Brent Street, near Talbot Avenue

Webster, Sumner and Lamson Streets . .
Charles Street Place

Longwood Avenue, Bellevue and Plym-
outh Streets.

Columbus Avenue and New York, New
Haven & Hartford Railroad.

La Grange and Bellevue Streets

Charlestown Heights and Dewey

Beach.
Chestnut Hill Park

City Square

Columbia Road

Columbus Avenue Playground .

Columbus Park

Columbus Square

Commonwealth Avenue

Concord Square

Copley Square

Copp's Hill Terraces

Washington Street, between West Brook-
line and West Newton Streets.

Tremont Street to Charles Street ; Beacon
Street to Boylston Street.

Chestnut Hill Avenue and Academy Hill
Road.

Albert Street to Bickford Street

Readville .

Between Carolina Avenue and Child

Street.
South Fairview and Roberts Streets

Boston Harbor

Between Juniper and Thornton Streets,
Upland Avenue and Bournside Street,

Meridian and Border Streets

Centre and Perkins Streets

Ceylon, near Magnolia Street

Charles Street

Bunker Hill and Medf ord Streets

Beacon Street and Commonwealth

Avenue.
Head of Bow and Main Streets

From Franklin Park to Marine Park ....
Columbus Avenue and Camden Street. . .

At head of Dorchester Bay

Columbus and Warren Avenues

Arlington Street to Newton Line

Between Tremont Street and Columbus

Avenue.
Between Huntington Avenue, Boylston

and Dartmouth Streets.
Commercial and Charles Streets

Dorchester.

Dorchester.

Dorchester.

Dorchester.

Brighton.

Roxbury.

Jamaica Plain.

Jamaica Plain.

Dorchester.

East Boston.

Charlestown.

Roxbury.

City.

West Roxbury.

City.

City.

Brighton.

Roxbury.

Hyde Park.

Jamaica Plain.

West Roxbury.

Boston.

Roxbury.

Dorchester.

East Boston.

Jamaica Plain.

Dorchester.

City.

Charlestown.

Brighton

Charlestown.

/Dorcheste;-
[South Bos on.

Roxbury.

South Boston.

Cit*

/City.
\BiigL q.

City.
City.
City.

PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPORT.

HI

['HI SI VI' \ \MI

Previously Known as

LOCATION'.

Dorchester Park

Drohan Square

Eaton Square

Edward Everett Square

Elm Hill Park

Essex Square

Factory Hill Playground

,T. M. and J. J. Sullivan Playground,*

Hack Bay Fens

Fern Square

Christopher J. Lee Playground *. .
Public Ground, Florida Street ....

James F. Healy Playground *

Fort Hill Square

Francis G . Hanlon Square *

Franklin Field

Franklin Park

Franklin Square

Christopher Gibson Playground . . .

Greenwood Square

Herbert J. Wolf Square *

Hayes Square

General Heath Square

Heath Street

Highland Park

Horatio Harris Park

Independence Square

Jackson Square

John Winthrop Playground

Lincoln Square

Linwood Park

igwood Park

..xadison Park

Gordon E. Denton Square *

John J. Connolly Playground *. . . .

Mivnne Park

Mass' husetts Avenue Malls

Cit-i -torage Lot

Maverick Square

John F. Donovan Park *

Lieut. Parker B. Jones Square '

Dorchester Park

Drohan Square

Eaton Square

Edward Everett Square

Elm Hill Park

Essex Square

Factory Hill Playground

Fellows Street Playground

Back Bay Fens

Fern Square

M Street Playground

Public Ground, Florida Street . .

Forest Hills Playground

Fort Hill Square

Francis Street Circle

Franklin Field '. .

Franklin Park

Franklin Square

Christopher Gibson Playground .

Greenwood Square

Harold Square

Hayes Square

General Heath Square

Heath Street

Highland Park

Horatio Harris Park

Independence Square

Jackson Square

John Winthrop Playground

Lincoln Square

Linwood Park

Longwood Park

Madison Park

Magnolia Street

Marcella Street Playground

Marine Park

Massachusetts Avenue Malls ....
City Storage Lot

Maverick Square . .
Dorchester Square.
Milton Square ....

Dorchester Avenue and Richmond

Street.
Edison Green

Adams and Bowdoin Streets

Junction, Columbia Road and Massa-
chusetts Avenue.
Off 550 Warren Street

Essex and Lyndeboro Streets

Town Street

Hunneman Street

Beacon Street to Brookline Avenue.
Between Franklin and Fern Streets.

First Street at M Street

King Street to Ashmont Street

Washington Street and Firth Road. .
Oliver and High Streets

Junction Huntington Avenue, Tremont

and Francis Streets.
Blue Hill and Talbot Avenues

Seaver Street to Morton Street; Blue

Hill Ayenue to Forest Hills Street.
Washington Street, between Brookline

and East Newton Streets.
Dorchester Ayenue and Bourneside

Street.
Junction Greenwood Street and Central

Avenue.
Crawford, Abbotsford and Harold

Streets.
Bunker Hill and Vine Streets

Old Heath, New Heath and Parker

Streets.
Heath and Day Streets

Fort Avenue and Beech Glen Street .

Walnut Avenue, Monroe Street to Town-
send Street.
Broadway, M and N Streets

Chestnut Hill Avenue, Union and Win-
ship Streets.
Dacia and Danube Streets

Emerson, Fourth and M Streets.

Centre and Linwood Streets

Park and Austin Streets

Sterling, Marble and Westminster

Streets.
Magnolia Street

Marcella and Highland Streets .
Farragut Road, City Point

Four sections, between Columbus
Avenue and Albany Street.

Massachusetts Avenue, adjoining New
York, New Haven and Hartford Rail-
road.

Sumner and Maverick Streets

Meeting House Hill

Milton Avenue and Highland Street.

1 Iisthict.

Dorchester.

Dorchester.

Dorchester.

Dorchester.

Roxbury.

Charlestown.

Hyde Park.

Roxbury.

City.

Brighton.

South Boston.

Dorchester.

Hoslindale.

City.

Roxbury.

Dorchester.

Dorchester.

City.

Dorchester.

Hyde Park.

Roxbury.

Charlestown.

Roxbury.

Roxbury.

Roxbury.

Roxbury.

South Boston.

Brighton.

Dorchester.

South Boston.

Roxbury.

Roxbury.

Roxbury.

Dorchester.

Roxbury.

South Boston.

City.

Roxbury.

East Boston.
Dorchester.
Hyde Park.

32

PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPORT.

MORTON STREET PLAYGROUND AFTER THE REMOVAL OF BUILDINGS BUT PREVIOUS TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLAYGROUND.

MORTON STREET PLAYGROUND AFTER CONSTRUCTION, SHOWING FIELD HOUSE, PERGOLA, MARGINAL WALLS, TREE

GUARDS, AND GRANOLITHIC SURFACE.

PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPORT

33

Present Name.

Mt. Bowdoin Green

Ronan Park

Vincent Cutillo Park *

John F. Holland Playground *

William J. Barry Playground * . . . .
William H. Garvey Playground *. .
George H. Walker Playground * . . .
William F. Smith Playground * . . .

Oak Square

Oakview Terrace

Olmsted Park

Orchard Park

Orient Heights Playground

Paris Street Playground

Abraham Lincoln Square

Peabody Square

Portsmouth Street Playground ....

Prince Street Playground

Prescott Square

Public Garden

•Putnam Square

Lester J. Rotch Playground *

Richardson Square

Ripley Playground

Riverway

Rogers Park

Irving W. Adams Park *

Fallon Field*

Frederick D. Emmons Playground

Rutland Square

Savin Hill Park

Arthur F. McLean Playground * . .

McConnell Park *

Public Ground, Seaver Street

Smith's Pond Playground

Soldiers' Monument Lot

Spaulding Square

St. Stephen Square

Strandway

Sullivan Square

Previously Known as

I.di V'l'lll .

Mt. Bowdoin Green

Mt. Ida Playground

Morton Street Playground

Mozart and Bolster Streets Playground

Mystic Playground

Neponset Playground

Norfolk Street Playground

North Brighton Playground

Oak Square

Oakview Terrace

Olmsted Park

Orchard Park

Orient Heights Playground

Paris Street Playground

Abraham Lincoln Square

Peabody Square

Portsmouth Street Playground

Prince Street Playground

Prescott Square

Public Garden

Putnam Square

Randolph Street Playground

Richardson Square •

Ripley Playground

Riverway

Rogers Park

Roslindale Park

Roslindale Playground

Rutherford Avenue Playground

Rutland Square

Savin Hill Park

Mothers' Rest, Saratoga Street

Savin Hill Playground

Public Ground, Seaver Street

Smith's Pond Playground

Soldiers' Monument Lot

Spaulding Square

St. Stephen Square

Strandway

Sullivan Square

Summit of Mt. Bowdoin

Bowdoin and Percival Streets.
Morton and Stillman Streets. .
Mozart and Bolster Streets. . .
Chelsea and Medford Streets. .

Neponset Avenue, opposite Chickataw-

but Street.
Norfolk Street, opposite Evelyn Street . .

Western Avenue, near North Harvard

Street.
Washington and Faneuil Streets

Off Centre Street near Fourth Street. . . .

Huntington Avenue, Roxbury, to Prince

Street, Jamaica Plain.
Chadwick, Orchard Park and Yeoman

Streets.
Saratoga and Boardman Streets

Paris Street .

Junction Columbus Avenue, Eliot Street

and Broadway.
Ashmont Street and Dorchester Avenue,

Portsmouth Street

North Bennet and Prince Streets
Trenton, Eagle and Prescott Streets.

Charles Street to Arlington Street; Bea-
con Street to Boylston Street.
Putnam, White and Trenton Streets. . .

Albany and Randolph Streets

Between Pond and Cottage Streets

Ripley Road, near Harvard Street

Brookline Avenue to Huntington Avenue,

Lake and Foster Streets

Junction, Washington and South Streets

South and Roberts Streets

Rutherford Avenue

District.

Between Tremont Street and Columbus

Avenue.
Grampian Way

Saratoga and Bennington Streets.
Springdale and Denny Streets. . . .

Corner Blue Hill Avenue and Seaver

Street.
Stony Brook Reservation, near Brainard

Street.
South and Centre Streets

Junction, Freeport Street and Neponset

Avenue.
Corner St. Stephen and Batavia Streets,

From Columbus Park to Marine Park,

Main, Cambridge, Seaver and Gardner
Streets.

I lorchesti r.
I lorchester.

City.

Roxbury.

Charlestown.

Dorchester.

Mattapan.

Brighton.

Brighton.

Jamaica Plain.

Jamaica Plain.

Roxbury.

East Boston.

East Boston.

City.

Dorchester.

Brighton.

City.

East Boston.

City.

East Boston.

City.

Dorchester.

Dorchester.

Roxbury.

Brighton.

Roslindale.

Roslindale.

Charlestown.

City.

Dorchester.

East Boston.

Dorchester.

Roxbury.

Hyde Park.

Jamaica Plain.

Dorchester.

City.

South Boston.

Charlestown.

34

PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPORT.

No.

Present Name.

Previously Known as

Location.

District.

96
63
92
SS
4S
163
2S
89
161
26
14
49
62
95
44
78
111

45
124

85
109

19
133

73
162

64

74
122

31
118
100

94

58

15
101
102
59
93
116
144
145

Thomas Park

Tremlett Square

Tyler Street Playground

Union Park

Horace Campbell Woodworth Sq.,*

Francis Parkman Playground

Walnut Park

Waltham Square

Warren Square

Washington Park

Mission Hill Playground

Webster Square

Wellesley Park

Matthew J. Sweeney Playground *. .

Williams Square

William Eustis Playground

Winthrop Square

Wolcott Square

World War Memorial Park

Worcester Square

North End Beach

Paul Gore Street Playground .'

Public Land, Brighton

Public Land, Dorchester

Edward M. Cunningham Park *.. .

William B. Corbett Park *

City Nursery Grounds

Condor Street Playground ........

Tree Area, Elm Hill Avenue

Francis G. Kane Square *

City Hall Grounds

Tenean Beach Playground

Cherry Street Playground

Thomas Park

Tremlett Square

Tyler Street Playground

Union Park

Vose Square

Wachusett Street Playground

Walnut Park

Waltham Square

Warren Square

Washington Park

Ward 19 Playground

Webster Square

Wellesley Park

West Fifth Street Playground

Williams Square

William Eustis Playground

Winthrop Square

Wolcott Square

Wood Island Park

Worcester Square

North End Beach

Paul Gore Street Playground

Public Land, Brighton

Public Land, Dorchester

Sparhawk Square

Mothers' Rest Park, Dorchester Centre

City Nursery Grounds

Condor Street Playground

Tree Area, Elm Hill Avenue

Francis G. Kane Square

Telegraph Hill.

John A. Doherty Playground *

Trinity Triangle

Town Meeting Square Site

Malloch's Wharf Grounds

West Third Street Playground

Charlestown Playground

Arborway Entrance to Franklin Park
West Roxbury Parkway.

Tenean Beach Playground .
South End Playground ....

Tremlett Street, between Hooper and

Waldeck Streets.
Tyler Street, South End

Between Tremont Street and Shawmut

Avenue.
Beacon Street and Metropolitan

Avenue.
Waehusett Street

Part of Christopher Gibson Playground,

Trinity Triangle

Town Meeting Square Site

Malloch's Wharf Grounds

Between Washington Street and Walnut

Avenue.
Harrison Avenue, opposite Union Park

Street.
Warren, St. James and Regent Streets,

Dale and Bainbridge Streets

Tremont and Smith Streets

Junction, Webster and Central Avenues,

Wellesley Park Street

West Fifth Street, corner B Street

Williams Avenue and Prospect Street. . . .

Norf oik Avenue and Proctor Street

Winthrop, Common and Adams Streets,

Hyde Park Avenue, Milton and Prescott

Streets.
On eastern waterfront

Between Washington Street and Harri-
son Avenue.
Commercial Street

Paul Gore Street

Lincoln and Cambridge Streets.

Smelt Brook Creek, Victory Road and

Park Street.
Cambridge, Murdock and Sparhawk

Streets.
Washington and Claybourne Streets

Massachusetts Avenue and East Cottage

Street.
Condor and Glendon Streets

Elm Hill Avenue, between Seaver and
Schuyler Streets.

Junction, Bowcloin, Winter and Han-
cock Streets.

School Street

Tenean Street.

Cherry and Lucas Streets, between
Shawmut Avenue and Washington
Street.

Dorchester Avenue and Park Street

Huntington Avenue, Trinity Place and

St. James Avenue.
Cottage, Pleasant and Pond Streets

Freeport Street

Corner D and Third Streets.
Alf ord Street

South Boston.

Dorchester.

City.

City.

Hyde Park.

Forest Hills.

Roxbury.

City.

City.

Roxbury.

Roxbury.

Hyde Park.

Dorchester.

South Boston.

Hyde Park.

Roxbury.

Charlestown.

Hyde Park.

East Boston.

City.

City. .

Jamaica Plain

Brighton.

Dorchester.

Brighton.

Dorchester.

Dorchester.

East Boston.

Roxbury.

Dorchester. |

Boston

Dor-

City.

Dorchest

Ci+-

Do>

Sou'

ChE

PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL REPORT.

35

PUBLIC CEMETERIES.

Three years ago the care of public cemeteries of the City was delegated to the Park
Department. A plan of the largest cemetery, Mt. Hope, is printed as Plate XVII. This
shows its present layout. Studies for its improvement are nearly completed. The
immediate task is to provide and maintain useful roads and paths, and to carry on "per-
petual care," with sufficient detail in these times when the money originally devoted to
this purpose will purchase relatively less labor. The maintenance of good marginal screens
of trees and shrubbery and attractive floral displays in the cemeteries is also a difficult
matter. The Department proposes to prepare working plans for the future development
of all these tracts in order to systematize the work and to secure the most attractive and
practical layouts at the most reasonable cost for construction and maintenance.

There are thirteen cemeteries in all owned by the City. Among these are the King's
Chapel, Granary, Copp's Hill and North Dorchester. All of these are of historic interest and
contain the graves of the early settlers of the City. Visitors from all parts of the Union
come to see these historic cemeteries in the course of the year.

IDWAY AT SOUTH BOSTON SHOWING BATHING BEACH, STEAMBOAT LANDING AND BOAT PIERS, WITH

BATH HOUSE IN DISTANCE.

30

PARK DEPARTMENT, SPECJAI

PORT

INDEX TO SUBJECTS.

Page

The Boston Park System 3

Boston Common 5

The Fens Playground 10

Proposed Fens Improvement Opposite the Art

Museum 13

The Zoo 16

The Rose Garden 18

Christopher Gibson and John A. Doherty Play-
grounds

The Christopher J. Lee Playground

Columbus Park

Castle Island

List of Playgrounds, Public Square, etc.
Public Cemeteries

Page

20
22
24
28
30
34

INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS.

Plate I.— Map of Metropolitan District . .

Plate II. — Map of the City of Boston Showing Location of All Open Spaces
Boston Common. — Liberty Mall, Looking Toward State House
Plate III. — General View of Boston Common ....

Boston Common. — Steps at Head of Liberty Mall . . .

Plate IV. — General Plan, Showing Development of Boston Common

Commonwealth Avenue Before Elimination of Curves .

Commonwealth Avenue After Elimination of Curves .

Plate V. — Birdseye View of Proposed Development in the Fens

Plate VI. — Proposed Arrangement of Fens Opposite Art Museum

Present Condition of Fens Opposite Art Museum .

Stream and Bridge in Muddy Brook Parkway

Plate VII. — Birdseye View of Proposed Development in the Fens

Commonwealth Avenue Before Improvements

Commonwealth Avenue After Improvements .

Plate VIII. — General Plan for Zoological Garden

Franklin Park. — Herbaceous Gardens

Plate IX. — General View of Rose Garden

Plate X. — Birdseye View of Rose Garden

Franklin Park — General View of Large Play Field

Franklin Park.— Toboggan Slide

Plate XL — General Plan of Christopher Gibson Playground

Plate XII.— General Plan of Christopher Lee Playground .

View of Circle at Entrance to Columbus Park

Strandway Beach at South Boston .

Plate XIII. — General Plan for Columbus Park

Plate XIV.— Birdseye View of Columbus Park

Outdoor Entertainment at Franklin Park

Snow Scene in Park System ... ...

Plate XV.— Birdseye View of Proposed Development of Castle
Plate XVI.— Proposed Plan for Development of Pleasure Bay
Morton Street Playground Before Construction .
Morton Street Playground After Construction
Bathing Beach at South Boston ....

Plate XVIL— General Plan of Mt. Hope Cemetery .

Island

Page
Between pages 2 and 3
Between pages 4 and 5

. 5
6

Between pages

Between pages 8 and 9
. 9
. 9
. 11
. 12
. 13
. 14
4 and 15
. 15
. 15
Between pages 16 and 17

17

Between pages 18 and 19
Between pages 18 and 19
. 19
. 19
. 21
. 23
24 and 25
. 26

Between pages 26 and 27
Between pages 26 and 27

27

27

Between pages 28 and 29

29

32

32

35

. Opposite page 36

PLATE XVII.— GENERAL PLAN OF MT. HOPE CEMETERY SHOWING SURROUNDING STREETS AND THE GENERAL SCHEME OF INTERIOR ROADS, PATHS, AND ARRANGEMENT OF LOTS, 1922.

,T3g,

q JA5I3^30-,I1VX 3TAJ<5

0

CITY OF BOSTON — PRINTING DEPARTMENT