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NPS Form 10-900 a OMBApgaMNo1024 <br />0018 <br />United States Department of the Interior <br />• National Park Service <br />National Register of Historic Places <br />Continuation Sheet <br />Section number _7_ Page _9_ <br />and Trellised Arbor have also been removed (c. 1970) from the eastern section. <br />The Michigan Street or Leeper Bridge was constructed in 1915, replacing an older iron truss bridge <br />over the St. Joseph. The arched concrete bridge is detailed in the Classic revival style. While not <br />designed by George Kessler, the Michigan Street bridge is similar to those Kessler designed for the <br />park system in Indianapolis. Kessler plans often featured bridges in the classic style as civic <br />monuments and gateways. The bridge is a compliment to the North Pumping Station, and together <br />the two form an important component of the Park as civic improvement aspect of the Kessler City <br />Beautiful plan for Leeper Park. Foundation or abuttment stones from the original bridge were used <br />to line the riverbank west of the new bridge <br />Site Furnishings: Western section: Historic backstop fencing remains hidden by underbrush in the <br />northeast corner of the playfield. Center section: concrete steps remain from Kessler era improvement <br />to the Duck Pond Area. The Reynolds fountain, a historic watering trough installed in the park in <br />1937, remains at the terminus of Main Street. The stone block wall installed to stabilize the riverbank <br />• west of the Michigan Rd. Bridge remains, in poor condition. Eastern Section: concrete steps remain <br />leading from the Michigan Bridge approach to the sunken Garden. The bridge to the Island has been <br />rebuilt on historic stone piers. The retaining wall built around the island by WPA-funded labor also <br />remains; most of this extensive wall is in good repair, although several sections have broken and <br />failed. Several historic light fixtures remain along Riverside Drive; the boulevard lights feature <br />concrete posts and lamps manufactured by the George Cutter Company. <br />Intrusions into the District <br />a. Work yard, east of pumping station, while a traditional use, has been expanded to encroach on area <br />previously used as rose garden. <br />b. Playgrounds in eastern and central sections are not located where this type of facility was <br />historically located. Contemporary materials are somewhat inappropriate in these settings. <br />c. Traditional light fixtures have been replaced and/or augmented with additional institutional type <br />cobra head lighting on wooden telephone poles. <br />d. Recreation building at Tennis Complex is of 1970's brick/wood mansard style. Location and use <br />of structure, however conforms to stated Kessler master plan for western section. <br />e. An additional row of 4 tennis courts replaced open lawn area and original playground. Tennis, <br />however, in this location is appropriate to Kessler Master Plan. <br />0 <br />