The territory included in the proposed gift lies along the extreme upper portion of Doan Brook, and includes the wellknown "Shaker lakes," which are fully fifty acres in extent, the lower lake being over three thousand feet long and several hundred feet wide, while the upper lake, which is somewhat in the form of a crescent, is a trifle smaller. The latter lake is very attractive in its present unimproved condition, and when its borders have been planted with trees and shrubbery and otherwise improved, will form the most beautiful inland sheet of water in the vicinity of the Forest City. Here the ravine gradually rises to the general ground level and the land about the lake becomes smooth and even. At this point there are several freely flowing springs, which form the headwaters of Doan Brook, and which will be secured by the Commission in order that all parts of the stream may be under its control and kept free from pollution. But a short distance from the upper end of "Crescent Lake" is a splendid grove of beautiful forest trees, of several acres in extent, which forms one of the most valuable features of the property, and bordering as it does upon the shores of the lake, will add greatly to the possibilities of the park. From the upper end of the lower lake, a small stream and valley branches off to the south, through which access to the park from Woodland avenue could be very readily obtained. All the surroundings are attractive and picturesque, and when the two lakes are completely encircled with a driveway and walks, and otherwise placed in the condition desired by the Commission, the tract cannot fail to be classed among the most interesting of the entire park system. This property is fully two miles in length, and when the driveways therein are connected with the Ambler Parkway, and the latter with the Doan Brook Parkway by way of Wade Park, will form a continuous parkway to Lake Erie of more than six miles in length. Financial Reports. Attention is called to the very full and complete report of the Secretary of the Board, which is herewith submitted, as to all matters pertaining to the finances of the Commission. In this connection, it may be stated that the Board has conformed with the system of accounting in use by the City Auditor, by whom are drawn all warrants upon the City Treasurer in payment of the vouchers of the Board. A complete account of all receipts and expenditures of the Commission is also kept upon the books of the City Auditor, among whose files may be found all receipted warrants for park vouchers after their payment by the City Treasurer. Respectfully submitted, CHARLES H. BULKLEY, J. F. PANKHURST, CHARLES A. DAVIDSON, Board of Park Commissioners. |