New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-08-31
PROUD LITTLE GIRLS.
4 ThoGSG.:3 Nay Be Happy IN
Their "Tery OsCn" Playground.

The girls IN the neighborhood OF Tompk.n's
Square were the happiest and proudest LITTLE folks
II town yesterday when the Park Department pre-
seaced 10 them the first girls playground IN the
metropolis. Heretofore they have had coatent
themselves with e corner OF the boys playground.
where the larger ones played tennis under con-
siderable dixsdvantass and the babies played kill
dergz-tsn gaIaes n the bsndstaod Now they have
q beautiful little playground all TO themselves
about two-thtrds as large thaS Of ths boys and
fitted up at an expense Of $780, with everything
necessary 10 give them good time and exercise
their little muscles
The playground Is surrounded by circle Of trees,
which helps to make up FOR the absence OF the
grass that had to be sacrificed when this part o.
the park turned into playground In the
centre is tennis court. and ct ors side o. the
court ere TWO croCuet grounds. The pavilion and
been decorated for the occasion with paper chains
and baskets and the whole place was gay with
flags. Around the edge OF The ground sre tseter
ladders, techer ball poles, flying rings, jumping
standards q round swing. and "scups' ot al sizes,
while IN Of the lockers near the pavilion IS
kept e net for Toley ball
The playground covers one ard a half acres and
viii accommodate e thousand Children at one
time The larger girls, as well as the smaller
ones expect TO Use It. as they Ike the tennis
ground better than the ones IN Central PARK
The girls took possession OF the playground In
quite formal manner yesterday afternoon At
2:So an opening made in the circle OF benches
which was used keep the public at q proper dis
with flags their hands and smiles on their faces
although some were careworn little mothers and
carried small brothers and sisters in addition 70
their flags.
The first thing the children did on entering the
playground was TO salute the flag and sing some
patriotic songs and then they went through some
rretty marches the sound OF a co-net slayed by
Miss Rosa Ilende-Tnan. After this any one who
liked was allowed 70 enter, and inside a couple OF
minutes q thousand children were on the ground
doing athletic stunts
For the benefit Of the visitors the tots played
soure OF their prettiesI kindergarten games and
the older ones executed egg and spoon, potato and
pursuit races finishing with te1her and volley ball
contests.
Tie children were directed by Miss z. Y. Van
Doren. who will have charge Of the new play
ground and her assistant Miss r Z. Jackson The
Park Commissioner was represented by John r
Nelson. superintendent of Fairgrounds.
The new playground viii be open all the year
round and judging from past experience, is likely
20 be We'll patronized in all kinds OF weather II
meets q necessity which has long been feif ny
those who know anything about the Fairgrounds
and is innovation in which Mr.. Palas Is said 10
be particularly interested
Another girls playground VIII probaply De
opened before long in Hudson Park and by an
other summer If expected that the other parks
wiIl be similarly equipped