New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-08-28
Il CITY PLAYGROUND.
Hoe Youth on the East Side Enjoy
UHlidm III. Sezcard Park.

Since the city established r huge open air
gymnasium for boys and a playground for girls
i'm Seward Park, the city block which the
uIcpality RACED for the purpose. in the heart Of
the most crowded portion OF the East Side. the
great problem has been the maintenance OF
order. Some seven thousand boys and perhaps
four thousand girls use the park each day. and
it has taken year Of ceaseless effort for the
young men and women In charge TO gain SEM
hlaucc OF control over the youngsters
II is still the rule OF the iron hand, the rule OF
fear, not love, and II one OF the superintendent
is ever overcome he or she might as well resign
In the boys gymnasium those In charge have
made good their authority by fighting all corners
at their own game, whether Il be gymnast!c
feats or rough and tumble fighting. With the
girls, the campaign OF control has been slightly
less strenuous but direct supervision and firm
control have been equally necessary.
The athletic superintendent and play direc-
asked the other day whether the boys
the girls were easier TO handle l.. J. w.
Loworre the head athletic director. a High
School graduate, with special Young Mems
Christian Association training for the position
he holds. has had experience with both.
one OF the young women OF the playground
,orps WAS III recently and he took her place.
I suppose one must admit that the girls are
easier TO manage" he said the other day, hut
Ia a lot rather be back on my own side of the
fence. Over there you may have to fight big
Yellow before you get him to obey the rules
and it is every day occurrence to drop a
toungster or two over the fence but the boys
1ont pout and sulk when they made TO
mind as the girls do. and they don't ask u mill
lion and questions"
The young who direct the play Of the
girls and keep guard over the babies agree that
1 t., gI,,r
the rough boys in the gymnasium.
We have troubles with petty jealousies
and a general spirit Of selhshness." said one OF
them. Mothers who resent our ordering their |
children about our worst trial. The girls |
can be over is shown by our success In |
teaching them new games and in breaking them |
OF some bad habits"
The policeman on duty refused to commit |
himself lie has his troubles with both boys
and girls, especially in keeping boys out of the
girls playground lie gets along better with the
boys. for he can spank them If necessary With
ie girls he Is limited to = gTowl and the threat
Of keeping them out of the playground the next
day
The day at the recreation grounds begins at |
. o'clock, when attendant raises the Ameri-
an flag pole in the gymnasium. 1t is the
.iSaal for the opening of both Enclosures. and
here is always a crowd of boys and girls lined
- in front OF the gates. Each boy has some
particular piece of gymnastic apparatus on
y hich he desires 10 timber up; each girl some
swing which she has set her
cart.
The mad race Of commuters from a rush hour
erryboat to their homeward bound train, the
stampede OF settlers when parcel of Indian
and is thrown open in the West. the hustle of
retainers for minor Olices-nOne of
hese similar rushes are to be compared with
he dash which the girls make into their play
round each morning. Every heart is hardened
very nerve taut for there are no swings for