Hampstead Mall

in the center of the town for such public uses and purposes, as shall be agreed upon by the first twenty-one purchasers of the lots, or a majority of them.”[2] According to early plats, Hampstead Mall was laid out at a low-lying area which had previously been marsh or creeks.

In 1855, City Council voted to plant trees in the park and add a fence similar to the one surrounding Marion Square.

[8] A drive was begun to raise money for improvements to the park from city residents in 1868; the work would include fencing with pedestrian gates and shell paths.

[12]) The extension of Hampstead Mall was never completed, but by 1870, the area was an enclosed pleasure ground for the neighborhood residents who could not easily travel the two miles to the Battery to enjoy walks.

[13] The first transportation intrusion into the park occurred in 1897 when a right-of-way was granted to the Electric Railroad to run a line along Columbus St.[14] A bandstand was built in 1901.

[17] In 1905, eight shade trees on both sides of Columbus St. were removed to improve access along the street between Meeting St. and the planned Union Station on East Bay St.

[18] The special committee's members took different positions on how to avoid the problems expected from running the rail line through the park including the risk of scaring horses and endangering children.