Burnham Park

In 1911, the Burnhams elaborated on their intent with a statement addressed to then Mayor of Morristown, Hon. Arthur S. Pierson and published in the Daily Record: "Dear Sir: For some three or four years Mrs. Burnham and myself have been discussing the plan of giving a piece of ground, fitted for the purpose, to the Town of Morristown, for a Public Park. In our judgment this should be situated so near the green as to be within easy walking distance of the residences of our town, especially of those which have not much land surrounding them. Our idea has been that this ground should be used not as a playground for the benefit of noisy ball games or such other games as are attended by noise and uproar, but rather as a place where tired families can, during the spring, summer and autumn days, obtain that refreshment which is only obtainable apart from the noise and [con]fusion of a crowd. We have thought that such a piece of ground should contain twenty-five or thirty acres available for walks, resting places, with cool spring water, ponds and streams, where the pleasures of fishing, and boating could be had, and fine trees under whose wide spreading branches mothers could take their children and find the rest and enjoyment which such a park would afford..."