GAS DEPARTMENT
The gas plant for the City of Virginia is located on the south side at the outskirts
of the City. In 1915 a 25,000 cu. ft. per hour Tenney unit was placed in operation. This
unit is now used for standby service only. In 1942 a 30,000 cu. ft. per hour Tenney unit
was installed complete in a new building. During the past year 56,426,852 cu. ft. of gas
was manufactured. The maximum daily load occurred on September 15. During that day
238,944 Cu. ft. of gas was manufactured. 20.4 miles of pipe lines are in service for the
system.
Municipal Parks and Golf Course
Walter Nelson. Superintendent
Olcott Park competes for popularity only with the finest parks in the nation
through its elaborate floral displays, its geyser-like colored electric fountain, its zoo,
playground and picnic facilities which are all set in 35 acres of rich northern atmosphere
just at the ed.ge of the city of Virginia.
The real fun castle, however, is the home of the many monkeys living on Monkey Island.
Easy parking facilities, and its nearness to other attractions, make watching the little
rascals a delightful pleasure. Their enclosure is oval-shaped with a circumference of
310 feet bounded all around by a six-foot wide concrete walk. In the center is their
home, which has been called their castle. But the fun begins when the animals leap on
the rope ladders and swings, or climb the barren trees, and sail miniature boats in the
moat which surrounds the roomy concrete structure.
One of few in the United States is the automatic electrically-controlled water
fountain in this park. Surrounded by a rectangular shaped beautiful rock garden is
this fountain which sprays streams of water high into the air. During the evening
constantly changing colored lights are shown from the fountain base adding unusual
colorful affects.
The rock garden plat, bounded on three sides by towering coniferous trees, forms an
unusually picturesque border for the fountain setting. Inside this border is an attractive
ornamental stone wall, and from the wall to the fountain is a terraced arrangement with
ledges of rock, trees, shrubbery, and numerous types of rock garden plants. Outlining
the flower beds are Tufa stones. Hardy plant varieties, discovered through scientifically
conducted experiments during severe winter climates, will be retained in the rock garden.
A display of 1,100 tuberous rooted Begonias attracted several thousand persons during
the reason from June 15 through October 1, and was exhibited in the greenhouse. Among
the varieties shown were Double Plain, Double Frilled, Single Plain, Single Frilled and
Narcissus Flowered. But even among the multitude of Begonias it is virtually impossible
to discover two plants exactly alike.
Paths are provided throughout the park area which lead to all of the many attractions.
Near the greenhouse and monkey island is a complete outdoor playground for children which
include attractions from slides to sandboxes and swings. And during the summer season
qualified instructors supervise playground group activities.
The zoo is devoted largely to deer because of its spacious grazing area.
Band concerts are held frequently during the park season, and are produced by bands
of Virginia schools. Picnic facilities include benches, outdoor fireplaces, and sheltered
platforms, including tables and easily accessible water supplies.
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