The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1912-05-18
MORE PLAY GROUNDS
WANTED In THE CITY

I
and opened In June about the same
time as the Twenty-sixth street and
East End grounds. II has met a real
need In that section OF the city and
has been very largely patronized-
Quite a large proportion of the youth
frequent these grounds are the child
rem OF foreigners and they are get
ting good training toward becoming
useful American citizens among the
American boys and girls they meet
in their play.
Besides coupling the new grounds,
improvements were made on both OF
the old ones and buildings placed on
each for indoor play and care OF
materials at night.
Many Attend.
The attendance at all was well
maintained throughout the season,
which lasted into October. At the
East End the average was 900 daily
and at each OF the other grounds. 500
and 300 so that upwards of 1900
little ones had the benefit of the out
door play and discipline, free from
dangers OF the street every day dur
ing the long summer months and into
the fall.
The finances OF the Association
were not quite equal to the strain OF
the new grounds and new equipment
and the season closed with a deficit.
However, notes were given several
months ago by the officers for the
largest obligation, and this has now
oeen cleared up by the payment of
this years dues. We will need, how
ever, larger income for the present
year and II behooves all who are in
tcrested TO do all possible in this di-
I rection.- The Evangelistic associat-
ion kindly gave the Sunday taSer-
nacle to our association for the bene-
| MT OF its work and we will realize
5000 from this source which will be
| a good lift. The report OF the treas
urer will give details OF the financial
situation.
We are hopeful that this year may
see the movement substantially aid.
ed by the city as IL should be. be-
cause It's benefits are enjoyed by the
whole community and the whole com.
munity should share in its support.
Playground Benefits.
Fairgrounds are health builders in
that they furnish open air exercise in
the most favorable environment in
crease vitality and give immunity from
disease. They are character builders,
Insofar as the spirit OF fair play.
proper respect for law and order and
habits OF good conduct are always in
culcated and the violators punished
oy exclusion. They are brain builders
because the games develop the facul-
ties and D. Jail participants on their
mettle I>>de the shy and timid child
is 81 - the same chance as his
strc-ser and holder mates. They
FAKE for democracy because there the
children OF all classes and creeds COM
mingle and learn TO respect one an
other.
| Bond Issue.
Many months ago a proposition for
a $4,000 playground bond issue. sub
mitted by the park and playground
| commission. was favorably acted upon
oy the board OF control and a council
committee, but so far IL has not seen
the light OF day. I believe We should
urge that this question be submitted
10 the lnople without delay. but that
$4,000 S;;ould be asked for in order
tnat the Twenty-sixth street grounds
may be purchased and become city
property.
Use School Yards.
In this connection also 1 think we
should earnestly urge the Board of
Education to lend a hand in this
work and throw open the school
yards for summer play. This prop
erty belongs 20 the people, much OF
II is we'll adapted for play purposes.
and there is no good reason why it's
use should be prohibited for nine
months OF the year. On the other
hand, with the limited facilities for
play In this compactly built city.
there Is every reason why the school
grounds should be used by the child.
rem all the year round. This IN done
in many other cities where the
school yards are equipped with an
paratus and our school authorities
certainly owe Il 10 the city 10 follow
the same course.
In al these plans We should have
the support and cooperation OF thu
Park and Fairgrounds Commission
which ] am sure Is able and willing
possible.