Evening star., 1909-06-02
JUDSON ON PLAY PARK
Engineer Commissioner Urges
Local Action.
WHAT CHICAGO HAS DONE
Entire City Block Converted Into
Playground.
SPLENDID PLAN FOR PATTERN
Gymnasiums and Swimming Pools
for Both Sexes, Branch Library
and Auditorium.
SPLENDID PLAN FOR PATTERN

That Chicago is far ahead of Wash
ington in providing recreation centers and
children's Fairgrounds is the statement
made by Engineer Commissioner Judson
today. based on his observations during
a recent visit to the Windy city. Maj
Judson is a member of the board of di-
rectors of the Washington Playground
Association. and, being interested in the
work, he made a special effort to see
what Chicago has in the way of play
grounds when he was In the west re-
Gently.
He visited a recreation center in one of
the congested districts of Chicago and
found that an entire city block had been
condemned, the buildings on it torn down
and a modern playground established.
Along one side of the square. he said.
long building had been erected. 1t con-
tains two gymnasiums, one for women
and girls and the other for men and boys.
There are also swimming pools. shower
baths and similar equipment. In the
building there is also we'll equipped
branch of the public library.
One of the features of the structures Is
large auditorium. where lectures enter
tainments and other gatherings are ac-
commodated. and it has proved valua-
BILE acquisition. There are also offices for
the director of the playground and his
assistants in the building.
Latest Equipment.
The remainder of the square is used as
an open-air playground and has the latest
equipment, giving the children opportunity
to romp and play games and enjoy them
selves to their hearts content.
Engineer Commissioner Judson believes
that this form of playground embodies
several features which should commend
it to all who are interested in the
development of Washington and should
be adopted for this city In the first
place. this square is park in the fullest
sense. As the plan also includes the
branch public library feature, he thinks
that offers of money for the establish
ment of branches of the local public
library could be availed of to aid in the
establishment of such a recreation center
The demand for the establishment OF
natatoriums in connection with the pub
lie schools. where all pupils could be
taught how to swim, he believes. could
be satisfied by such playground And
vor of swimming pools for school chill
dren the project will meet special favor
on account Of that feature. With all
these features in addition to those of a
general playground Engineer Commits
sioner Judson thinks that the plan is an
especially good one for this city.
Recommendation to Congress.
<aShCu dS " w HclI6T lie WOu.Q make
some recommendations along this line
to Congress next winter. the Engineer
Commissioner said that this improvement
must be considered along with many
others which are regarded as valuable.
and If it is found possible. Gin keeping
with the provision in the last District
appropriation act that the estimates shall
not exceed the revenues, he will urge the
establishment of such a recreation center.
The general plan would include the es-
tablishment Of several such Fairgrounds
in different sections of the city.
Col. Spencer Cosby, superintendent of
public buildings and grounds. said yes
terday that IL the funds for their equip
ment and maintenance are raised by the
friends of the playground movement he
would take into consideration the opening
of several additional Fairgrounds for the
children.
This announcement has given an addi-
tional incentive to the playground promot.
ers for the work this summer.