Plan of Evanston
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annual tax of three mills for park purposes. This will give a revenue of approximately $30,000.00, but this will not go very far except to maintain and improve present parks and will not admit of the acquiring of much new park area at any one time. It may be possible that in a few years there will be an amendment to the State Constitution, which will give the City of Evanston more bonding and taxing powers for park purposes.
The present management of the parks in Evanston, except those controlled by Park Boards, is under the Park Com-
i- mittee of the City Council, and the parks are very ably maintained by them. The appointment of Mr. Geo. C. Cone, a trained landscape architect, as Park Superintendent, insures the City intelligent park development, and satisfactory results if his plans are adhered to.
A possible way to get a quicker start toward the accomplishment of the broader aspects of the City Plan would be to have the present existing two park boards merged into one, and the districts extended to include all of Evanston. It has even been suggested that the Wilmette Park District mighf'also be merged with an all Evanston District and that the new district might include some additional territory to the west of Evanston.
Such a Park Board organized under the Legislative act of June 24th, 1895, could acquire land for parks or boulevards by purchase or condemnation, and the Board of Park Commissioners could accept from the City of Evanston the control of any park or boulevard therein. Bonds could be issued up to three per cent of the assessed valuation of property in the district, and, in addition to taxes for the payment thereof, a general tax of four mills on the dollar could be collected. Special assessments for local improvements could be levied. Districts bordering upon navigable bodies of water are empowered to reclaim submerged lands, and the title of the state is granted for that purpose to the park district to which such submerged land is adjacent. The park authorities