The pavilion has again undergone some very important changes, which are a decided improvement to both the appearance of the building and its efficiency in service. Through the introduction of a wide board walk on the water side of the structure and a large platform over the former landing place and swimming pool in front of the rotunda, it was possible to remove the inside stairways and provide access to the roof from that outdoor platform.
With the removal of the stairways the rotunda has become open to view from all sides, and a better and more attractive arrangement for the candy, cigar and popcorn counters has resulted. The dining room has been transformed into a cafeteria, for which service but few changes were necessary. The main entrance to the roof garden is now from the lake-side platform, which causes all people to pass before the counters, soda fountains and cafeteria on their way to and from the concerts, thereby increasing the refectory business.
The board walks around the pavilion have become the favorite promenade of thousands of visitors, and, together with the wide, well-balanced stairways, enhance the appearance of the building. The pavilion has been painted and additional lights have been provided for the roof garden. A sewer system for the refectories and toilet buildings, with modern plumbing fixtures, is being installed and is nearly completed. It collects all sewage into a basin, from which it is lifted to a large cistern by an automatically controlled, electrically driven pump. This cistern is on a gravel hill, 350 feet from the lake.
The solids settle in the cistern and the overflow is filtered through the gravel. It is expected to connect this system with the trunk sewer, which will be extended to this vicinity within a year or two. Two standard tennis courts have been built at the south picnic grove. Contemplated Betterments; A new roof for the pavilion is necessary and more comfortable seats should be provided in place of the present ordinary park benches. A full description of the general plan of improvements presented in the report of 1906, supplemented by a few desirable changes, was given in last year’s report, together with approximate estimates of cost.
-34th Annual Report, Board of Park Commissioners, City of Minneapolis, 1916
