Evening journal., 1907-01-24

Recent action by the Street and Sewer
Commissioners in creating an ordnance
against children ndulging in roller skat-
ing and the use of their little play wagons
on the streets and sidewalks Of this city
has occasioned many comments. large.y
of disappfoval, from those interested in
little folks, their rights and pleasures.
Possibly the best remedy for the trouble
and one which would more than make up
for the loss sustained by bhe children in
being forbidden the use of the streets,
would be the establishment of public
play grounds. where free from dangerous
surroundings. such as beleaguer them on
the streets, they might dtsport themselves
to their hearts content without the des-
truction Of property or danger to their
own life and limb
Perfectly in line with this thought was
the suggestion made by the board at
their last meeting. when the advisability
of establishing public Fairgrounds was
brought up, and so well did the city
fathers there assembled think Of it, that
they expressed a perfect Willingness to
subscribe literally from their own private
resources to establish such breathing spots
and recreation grounds.
Mr.. Johnson's Idea.
Perhaps no member Of the b-urd ex-
presses a deeper interest in children and
their welfare than does A. l.. Johnson, its
president. when seen yesterday by re-
porter of The Evening Journal, Mr.. John-
son stated that the project of establish
ing free public Fairgrounds met with his
beartiest approval, and that he cons dered
the plan perfectly feasible, as it could be
carried out at a very small expense, while
the benefits derived would be inca'culable.
one of the sites suggested as suitable
was the square at Fifth and sixth, JEFF
ferson and Madison streets. Entirely sur
rounded by dwellings,, this place would be
isolated from the dangers of the streets,
hut to which It would be easy Of access
through an alley. This square already
has many shade trees and is peculiarly
adapted for use, as a playground. Another
IDEAL place would be a vacant lot on the
west side of Pine street, between Fourth
and Fifth streets.
IyirlSwood Park annex was also spoken
favorably OF. this location being above
Twelfth street and between Pine and
Flrixwood. A lot at Thirteenth and Tatnal
streets was also viewed with considerable
favor.
These places could, with the expenditure
oe a few dollars. be made ideal places FOL
the children ca few loads Of sand ana some
swings being the main stems of expense.
Mr.. johnson called attention TO the
great numbers Of children who daily Wis
\ the sand piles maintained at some Of the
manufacturing plants, saying that II was
no uncommon thing for the little folks t'
stay an day at such places, not ever
abandoning their fascinating occupaucr
Of building castles and making pies lone
enough to go home 10 lunch.
seldom has a suggestion met with sucl
/ widespread and immediate favor as thi.
playground project, and for their having
brought 81 forward and offered 20 ala IL
making it possible from financial stand
point. the members OF the Street and
sewer Department have placed them
selves ON record as true friends Of tn
children and among the last 70 ourtai
their pleasures.
Those in position TO know whereof thel
speak are of the opinion that these play.
grounds 81 esiabish shci De 10 lie greliesi