To provide a link for the visitor from his automobile to the edge of the caldera and a view of the lake, designers developed a system of primary and secondary pedestrian footpaths. The primary focus of the evolving circulation network for park visitors at Rim Village was the main promenade following the edge of the caldera. Stretching from west of the cafeteria and traveling past the Sinnott Memorial and the lodge as far east as the trailhead to Garfield Peak, the promenade was a predominate design feature structuring movement along the rim. The intent of the path was to provide a strolling boulevard for tourists to better enjoy the lake views. Work on the promenade began in 1928. A low, stone wall or parapet was also planned, to help define both the edge of the promenade and the edge of the caldera, thus protecting visitors from inadvertently falling down the steep walls of the crater. In 1930, a sample section of this proposed wail was constructed. Landscape architect Merel Sager selected a standard NPS design typically used for guardrails. Using the standard specification sheet as the model, and under the guidance of Sager, masons erected an 18-inch high stone wall. To obtain a more naturalistic appearance and provide interest, the design of the wall was broken at regular intervals.[28] By late September of that year, more than 600 running feet of stone parapet was completed along the rim. Problems arose now and then as Sager’s watchful eye found the workers using inappropriate construction methods. At one point Sager noted: “A little difficulty was experienced getting the workmen to understand just the type of work which was wanted.”[29]
Incorporated into the design of this handbuilt rock wall were a series of observation bays, subtle extensions of the parapet designed to bring the visitor closer to the lake for open views and gathering areas set off from the crowds. The wall was also designed to accommodate trails leading down to the lake and to the Sinnott Memorial. Small-scale features like rustic drinking fountains were carefully integrated into the parapet wall for the visitors’ refreshment, and were designed to look like springs flowing out of natural boulders. The rock wall, gracefully following the serpentine line of the promenade, would also serve as a continuous bench for tired visitors or those simply wishing to contemplate the lovely view. For three years the parapet was under construction; it was declared finished in 1932.
One of E.A. Davidson’s first suggestions was to get started on the site’s crosswalk construction. He felt these walks were very important elements of the rim development, and after some debate about how wide these paths should be (Davidson thought 6-foot widths were appropriate while others favored narrower walks), stakes for 6-foot wide walks were set. During this time the park Superintendent, E.C. Solinsky, made the suggestion that a path be developed along the parking strip extending the entire length of Rim Village, between the road and the log guardrail (linking the cafeteria to the lodge). This path would provide visitors with a safe place to walk to and from their parked cars. Davidson thought this was an excellent idea and proceeded to set stakes immediately.[30] By 1932, all of the sidewalks located on the master plan between the road and promenade were in place and paved, with the exception of the walks just west of the hotel.
The rim planting program was a major component of this early period of construction in Rim Village. By July of 1929, discussions between the superintendent and the landscape architects were underway. Of utmost importance was a dependable and sufficient water source and when one could not be located the entire program was nearly postponed. Landscape architect Davidson recommended that until a solution to this problem could be found, the actual planting that would be done in 1929 would consist of a small, experimental plot of grass, approximately one-half acre in size. The site chosen for the test plot was near the lodge.[31]
Suitable soil for the successful establishment of new vegetation was critical. Initially, topsoil was found along the rim road approximately 1/2-mile from the village. This was a preferred site as it was not noticeable from the road. Other areas were investigated for additional soil as well as for shrubs and small trees. A suitable site for the latter was found near the park headquarters’ junk pile, located down at Annie Springs. Munson Valley was found to have a bog, an excellent source for peat moss, and the material was removed from the valley in substantial amounts for use at the village.
