Charles W. Brilvitch, the city's official Historian said of the changes: "They've just disrespected the original design of the park. It was designed to have a boulevard along the waterfront, and now we've got parking lots, and we've got all this junk, this modern sculpture -- stuff that just doesn't belong in an Olmsted, Vaux and Viele park." Joe P. Gresko, the city's spokesperson, said "When Olmsted designed the park, it was back in the 1800s, when vehicles were really rare to be seen. If we kept it as is, you're asking everyone to walk to the park. I think we've improved the park. Keeping the old bathhouse and renovating it is an example of how we're trying to keep the original design in mind." Music in the park Seaside Park has a long history of being a venue for concerts. When the idea of Sunday concerts "for the benefit of the working people" was proposed in 1890, many neighboring residents opposed the plan, but Barnum, whose own home abutted the park, championed the cause in the local papers. When there was talk of police interference at the first concert, Barnum told the band leader to come play at his home and that the grounds would be open to all who wanted to hear the music. In the 1930s, the Bridgeport WPA Orchestra, a statewide unit of the Federal Music Project, gave Thursday night concerts free to the public with amplification provided by the city. Starting in summer 1999 and 2000, and every year since 2007, Seaside Park has been home to Gathering of the Vibes an annual four-day music, camping and arts festival that celebrates the Grateful Dead and showcases a diverse variety of music. Facilities Seaside Park offers many amenities including ball fields, picnic areas, a bathing beach, bath houses, and hiking trails. Parts of the park offering views of the water are wheelchair accessible. Food concessions, an access pier and boat launching facilities are available. See also Fayerweather Island Black Rock Harbor Light History of Bridgeport, Connecticut National Register of Historic Places listings in Bridgeport, Connecticut References External links Seaside Park History - City of Bridgeport Parks in Fairfield County, Connecticut Geography of Bridgeport, Connecticut Tourist attractions in Bridgeport, Connecticut National Register of Historic Places in Fairfield County, Connecticut Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Connecticut Parks on the National Register of Historic