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Condition : The Terraces/Lake House/Performance Sector historically functioned somewhat better than it does today. The original Lake House had a rooftop gazebo that served as a performance stage used primarily for concerts. The stage was at about the level of the crest of the Elm Grove Outlook and afforded good views and acoustics to the surrounding area. The Current Lake House has a second story, domed stage for concert use, but the setting is primarily for performances which are presented on a temporary stage. The recent construction of a small, concrete block structure in the hillside as a performance control center is obtrusive and conflicts with the original Terraces. The Terraces themselves are steeply sloped, limiting their use for comfortable sitting to view events.

Obiective : Make the Lake House more useful as a performance setting as well as maintenance center. Explore fuller use of bandshell and interior spaces through feasibility study. Develop the Terraces to be more useful as an informal amphitheater for spectators.

Recommendations : Consider the reshaping of the Terraces to establish a gentler slope that can more readily serve as an informal amphitheater for audience seating. Exhibit 7 shows a modified configuration that brings and additional 10 feet of pavement into the slope and narrows the level shelves at the walks gaining some 30 feet, to allow for a decreased angle of slope. Utilizing this solution will also accommodate easier mowing of the grass slope. Construct two flights of stairs, one on each side, to improve access to the Terraces and the Elm Grove Outlook. Undertake a feasibility study for expanded use of Lake House interior and exterior spaces. Include consideration of support functions for performances of all kinds. Remove the cement block performance support structure by relocating the necessary functions to the Lake House. Add pedestrian lighting for evening use.

Drinking Fountain Shelter, straight, formal walks and a grid pattern tree grove providing shade and scale for the outlook area. Today the Elm Grove Outlook is flat and nearly featureless. The Drinking Fountain shelter is lost. The plantings are depleted. Former walk segments and stair are gone. Like the Lake View Outlook, it has no longer has a destination and is little used. While views to the Moses Fountain can be achieved from one path, Ash Trees at front of outlook block views down the Terraces and to surrounding park features.

Objectives : Improve visual quality. Increase use. Return lost elements and features to the extent possible.

Recommendations : Construct two flights of stairs at each side of the Outlook. Stairs will function for everyday park use and performances. They are shared with the adjacent Terraces/Lake House/Performance Sector. Reconstruct lost walk segments. Interpret ornate Drinking Fountain Shelter by installing an appropriate fountain, or providing a foundation marker indicating the former location, and bearing an explanation and historic view. Replant lost vegetation to reframe spaces along walks. Replant Elm cultivars or Zelkovas in the historic grove pattern to reinstate shade and scale.