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REPORT OF THE PARK BOARD
- Monument to the Soldiers of Oregon, to consist of a shaft of stone, surmounted by a figure in bronze representing a soldier of the Oregon regiment during the war with Spain. This monument Is to be erected in the north half of the Plaza Block bounded by Third street, Salmon street, Fourth street and Main street.
By the will of Mrs. Rosa Frazar Burrell, deceased April, 1903, a bequest is made to the City of $20,000.00 for a fountain of monumental design to be placed on one of the Plaza Blocks. - Band Music. An effort by subscription to obtain music in the Park during the summer months, was made in 1902, but failed. The Park Board, by an order last May, appropriated $1,000.00 towards a Music fund, which was generously supplemented by private subscriptions. A Park orchestra was organized and uniformed under the direction of Mr. Chas. L . Brown, and 35 concerts were given during the months July to October, principally in the City Park. These concerts were largely attended, and it is hoped that they may be continued as a summer attraction. A permanent bandstand has been erected in the City Park, paid for out of the Music fund.
- Visit of Mr. John L. Olmsted. The firm of Frederick L. Olmsted & Sons, of Brookline, Mass., stands at the head of landscape architects in America. After a prolonged correspondence between the Park Board, the Messrs. Olmsted and the Park Commission of Seattle, also with the Board of the Lewis and Clark Exposition, a joint arrangement was made for a preliminary visit of one of the above firm. Mr. John L. Olmsted spent the month of May on the Coast, in consultation with the various boards, giving advice as to the laying out of grounds and parks. He made a tour of the Portland parks and also carefully inspected the surrounding territory of the City. His formal report has not yet been received.[1] It is hoped that his visit will be of aid to the City and citizens, in devising comprehensive and intelligent schemes for the future Park system, as well as for the development of the grounds already in possession.
- Lease of Hawthorne Park. In a communication to the Board dated June 10, 1903, Mrs. Rachel L. Hawthorne offered the tract of twelve acres, known as Hawthorne Park, by lease of three years, to the City, the consideration being nominal. and with no conditions. This generous proposition was accepted: a keeper was appointed, and this noble park, with its forest trees, and beautiful stream, has been open to the public since the first of July. The cost of maintenance is about $100.00 per month.
