An open-air Gymnasium.

A novel feature has been incorporated in the plans for the park which is to be laid out on that portion of the Charles River embankment between Craigie's and the West Boston bridges. This feature is an open-air gymnasium, an affair unlike anything ever before attempted by a municipality. The plan is intended for the benefit of the working men, at whose command it will place the means for the improvement, development and exercise of the physical man. The whole plan is experimental, and its continuance will depend upon the manner in which the public takes to the idea.

The space which will be utilized in carrying out the plan is 500 by 150 feet in extent. It will be fitted with gymnastic apparatus suitable for robust exercise, but not for games or feats which would attract large and disorderly crowds. The ground has been already prepared, and as soon as the weather permits, the various body-building machines will be erected. Dr. D. A. Sargent, of the Hemen way Gymnasium, will supply the apparatus, and the commissioners have left the selection of it as well as the superintendence of its erection to him. The machines have been selected with a wise consideration for the class of patronage which an open-air gymnasium will receive. The list includes chest weights, high and low pulleys, balance swings, breast bars, set, standing and double swings, plain ropes, rope ladders, crossrope ladder, rings, single trapeze, long plain ropes, standing and inclined ladders, climbing, slanting, and standing poles, giant stride, quoits, vaulting poles, hammers, shots and heavy weights for "throwing" and "putting." The idea is a progressive one, and deserves the success it will doubtless meet.