The Washington times., 1912-12-25
Plans for Central High
School Include Large
Course for Sports. :
CONGRESS HAS MADE I"
SMALL APPROPRIATION
Supervisor Of Fairgrounds Urges
Extra Money That Plan May
: Be Carried through.
BY KIRK c. MILLER.

BY KIRK G. MlLLxk
Plans which hsvei been compiled by
the Engineer Department Of the Dis.
tSict government for the new aite for
the Central High School at Thirteenth
street and Florida avenue northwest,
includo an athletic field, with appropri-
ate stands to accommodate any inter-
scholastic games that may be scheduled
among any Of the i've local high
schools. The site for the school build
ings apd athletic field has already
been purchased and O substantial appro-
priation has been made by Congress to
commence thv grading for buildings and
field.
These improvements arc to be made at
An expense Of Sl.coO.ooo and plans now
in the Office Of the Municipal Architect
provide an enormous course over which
baseball, football, tennis and track
sports may be contested. Tho compile
tion Of the work II pending another ap.
preparation from Congress which Is
included In the recommendations Of the
District Commissioners for 1918.
Included In the school building plans
is a huge gymnasium which shall be
available at all seasons Of the year for
both indoor and outdoor sports.
EOR6T .. MaTtius SupcENtbOI VI
srounds. In his annual recommendation
10 the Commissioners has urged that
the Central High school ATHLETIC Held
be completed along with the buildings
which that institution Is to occupy; and anu
be purchased for the various graded or
eielhentary schools throughout the Dis
trict Of Columbia.
Extensive Ideas.
Mr.. Martins ideas of proper recrea-
tion grounds and athletic fields for
washington are the most extensive ever
proposed by District official. and
whether or not they be carried out
rests entirely with the Commissioners
and Congress. During his term OF
Office. ut the head Of the local play
grounds, Mr.. Martin has effected won-
dsrful improvements and he Is Of the
opinion that still greater facilities for
the physical betterment Of Washington
children are to come. In his last report
hs makes the following recommends
tions, all Of which. II given proper con.
sideration and financial aid. VIII tend
:S t. many nSs osssr ss. IN The sse Ea.
"There should be ut least one great
stadium for public gatherings where
the great games OF the season could
bs played without molestation In the
Capital city. a. present no such ,a;i aeii
funds to obtain fields or play under
difficulties conducive Of had results.
1T 10 therefore recommended that the
plans on file In the office OF the engi-
neer Of public buildings and grounds
be carried out:
''Thers should also be at least three
athletic fields for the use Of the pupils
Of the upper grades and for such events
a. the Fairgrounds carry on. This
season at the field meet 1.1& entries
were made and the grounds were in
sufficient for 5oo
Recommends Diamonds.
'Tn connection with the recommends
tions for older children and adults there
should be many baseball diamonds.
This season over $50 baseball teams
have used our. grounds. and many others
have gone without places to play. Tho
ee ensr Sto cur .sSems sSss oi
well as all other amateur teams willing
TO- comply with our regulations.
MANY tennis courts should also be
provided for those not using our more
strenuous forms Of games.
washington has 2 greater need for
cause the nature Of its work As . whole
saws IT. dGs, time other ssr
cities: The clerk from the very nature
Of his work Is quite apt to become
stoop shouldered and dyspeptic. Our
All Of these are directly dependent upon
plenty Of exercise In the open air
Meny large manufacturers are now pro.
yidinE athletic fields. gymn1asiums.
branes. reading rooms, and rest rooms
for their employees in the belief that this
will be the best way to keep them from
spending their earnings through ways
hours. Our Government has recently
decided that this Is a wise plan. and are
generally in sympathy with this view.
Swimming Pools.
Swimming pools should be provided
on every large playground ana wading
pools on every small ground Swimming
pools are necessary equipment on any
playground. A clean body is necessary
TO a strong body. swimming pools and
shower, baths In any nelghborhood are
conductive Of both.
1T 10 only q matter Of time when
removed from IT, present site. Several
well-located swimming pools should be
built SO that the children and adults
can can, have have, yss ss,o OF them in connection
be within easy access OF their homes
During the coming year swimming
pool should he Installed at GeorgetowT
playground and one at Cardozo play.
:-ground. The former will prevent many
drownings In the canal ana river and
do away with the associations at such
places. Cardozo will provide a suitable
pool for the colored people OF south.
west Washington. which they deserve
without doubt. there being no avail,
them. 'N'
ut Is recommended that uniform stee
equipment he placed on all grounds s
Discretion should be used in choice a M
quantity. 1t is efficient supervision
that makes the playground valuabl,