The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-06-20
Has No Selfish Motive in Mak-
 ing Athletic Park
WANTS TO HELP YOUTH
Appeals to Mayor and Aldermen Not to Rescind Previous Action, Which Means So Much to
 Children.

ins or tne Doafa or governors or the Bir mingham Athletic club strong resolu- tions were passed denying that the club had any selfish interest whatever in get ting the city to establish a play ground and miniature athletic field in the East End park adjoining the Birmingham High school and Powell school. Following is the full statement of the Athletic clubs board of governors:
 Birmingham, June 19 1906. ITO the Mayor and Aldermen and the People of Birmingham.
 we have heard report circulated in several quarters that the Birmingham Athletic club had a selfish interest in get ting the Board of Aldermen to establish a standard play ground and limited ath- letio field in East End park, the idea be- ing to create an impression that the Attn letic club wanted the play ground estab- lished in order that its members might have a place for outdoor sports.
 This report is so unjust to the Athletic club and 80 unwarranted that we feel public statement should be made dis claiming absolutely any such motive.
 'In the first place, we have a splendid park of our own at West End containing eighty acres or more, which is ample for
 
 events and other outdoor sports in which our members care to engage.
 Principal Objects.
 "In the second place, the grown men composing our membership do not care to exercise in a public city park, and would not use the play ground, even if the city offered it to them.
 "One of the principal objects of our nF nj i1af ie n nrOfnOta athletic and gynnastc sports, and We feel we would be untrue to our trust if we failed to aid in this splendid move ment, which means so much to the child ren and youth of this community.
 Public play grounds, especially those near the public schools, are now recog- nfzed as absolutely necessary, not only in various large cities throughout the country, but even here in Birmingham. where the movement has already passeo the experimental stage.
 Behrens Park Success.
 "The play ground established some months ago in Behren's park on the South Highlands. has proved an unqualified sue cess, and it's tennis court it's swings US sand beds and other apparatues for juve- nile nIav and pleasure are crowded daily with the children of that neighborhood. "The plan outlined for the government of the East End park play ground pro vides that the Mayor and Aldermen or Rirmingham shall be In control and shall at any time remove any features that may prove objectionable. The governing com mittee is to be composed Of the Mayor, A member of the High school faculty, and the Athletic clubs chairman or neia anu track athletics. Sub-committees VIII pc appointed among the boys of the Hlsh school, the various grammar schools the boys departments of the Athletic clup ana Y NJ C. A, and the Boys club, the inteh- ton being to make them self-governhs as far as possible committee Of women living near the park, will have charge or the emusements for the smaller children and look after their welfare. An athletic director will have charge of the sports or the older children. aNe believe as soon as the play ground gets in operation it's strongest friends Will ha the residents of the East End nelgh- horhood and we earnestly hope the May or and Aldermen of Birmingham will not take backward step and rescind their nrevious broad minded action whicn means so much for the children or the entire city. Very respectfully,
 "RO PRESTON MEANS,
 JOHN T. FLETCHER,
 .,R. s. MUNGER.
 FED WARREN. JR., 1 HILL FERGUSON, l JAMES F. DEDMAN,
 .," "SOLON JACOBS,
 SID B. JONES. "F. J. STEINMFHL."