Perth Amboy evening news., 1911-02-27
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

In connection with the establish
ment OF a playground in Perth AM
boy we would like to suggest that
the city already owns a large tract
of iana at the poor farm and adj
joining, extending to Kinsey corner,
which was purchased for the con-
struction OF a reservoir. There is
little likelihood of this reservoir be-
ing built for many years to come.
In the meantime the ground lies
Idle, as far as the city liz concerned.
IL Perth Amboy cannot find the mon
ey at this time to buy a site for a
playground we believe this prop
erty would answer the purpose In
every way.
OF course the objection is at once
raised that it is too fafS from the
city. 1t must be realized, however,
that all parks and places of recrea-
tion of any size in any city, are a
considerable distance from the CEN
ter of the city, necessarily being on
the outskirts.
1t has been demonstrated more
than once that the boys will go any
where within a reasonable walking
distance for their amusement. This
has been proven In the various base.
ball leagues that have taken place
in this city and vicinity. 1t is safe
to say that this tract. once properly
equipped and with a competent SUI
pervisor in charge, arranging the
various playground activities, ali
the boys of the city would deem it a
small thing to walk there. No. mat
ter where the playground is located
it would be too far for the smaller
children OF the city, excepting those
living in the immediate vicinity. For
their benefit the various school yards
could be fitted out with sand piles
and a few swings.
The one big central recreation
park, however, must have lots of
room, and, as the city is rapidly
growing to the westward, the reese
voir site, we believe, is as good a
place as could be found. This could
fitted out with comparatively
expense, and Perth Amboy
could again take her position in the
ranks with the cities of the
There is no doubt that thet
movement has come to
tay and that a playground will be-
as a result. /,
The EVENING NEWS throws it's !
open to a general discussionE.
4
lad Wonld bs passssa
letters, properly sign s
!, regarding the location and other ,
satures.
Replying to a communication sent :
D him asking for information re- ,
the Fairgrounds In Camden,
Upton S. Jeffreys, president of the
Board of Playground Commission
,rs OF that city, has written a very
interesting letter to the EVENING
telling what. Fairgrounds
have done for the city.
What has been accomplished in
Camden can also be done in Perth
Amboy. 1t is also a fact that such
an institution will be of as much adj
vantage to the people of this city as
the playground in Camden is to the
people of that city.
In his letter Mr.. Jeffreys declares
that cit might be as well to recog-
nize from the start that there is a
lot of work to be done In eqnipping
and supervising the Fairgrounds,
and a mistake at the start may i'm
pair the efficiency Of the work and
detract from its popularity. The
commissioners should be selected
for real love of the work, but they
should be chosen as we'll for their
practical ideas and executive ability.
Above all there must be harmony
in the board and willingness to de-
vote time and much thought to the
duties. Politics, of course, should be
barred from the board.
at seems to me-" Mr.. Jeffreys
goes on to say, "that there should
be general acceptance of the fact
that Fairgrounds are a necessity In
every community and especially
where there is a large foreign popu-
~lation, as you say 0 have In Perth
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