Large parks – which are in effect reservations of country scenery – easily resorted to as often as desired, are becoming more and more necessary for the people who live all summer in the city. Olmsted Brothers Landscape Architects, Report to Board of Commissioners, 1908

Acknowledging that no formal plan had been designated for the design of this already large park, Olmsted set to establish a layout for the land that would capitalize on the naturally scenic landscape and irregular topography. Olmsted suggested that a part of the park be cleared to create a playfield, and advised the board to take a meticulous approach to organization and upkeep of the landscape. Olmsted suggested dressing up rocky ledges with rock gardens, vines or other foliage, and further advised to continue use of the zoological attraction in the park to keep visitors to the park interested.