Evening journal., 1912-04-24
WIININGTON Am AorATIc SPORT,

WILMINGTON AND AQUATIC SPORT
r Ew cities in the East have better facilities for in
dulgence in aquatic sport than has Wilmington.
With the Christana river and the Brandywine creek
running directly through il and with the magnificent
Delaware river within plain sight and easily accessible
the wonder is that the number Of Wilmngtonians who
indulge in such heahful recreation boating and
fishing is not greater. In advanced municipalities
there is earnest desire the part OF the author
ties stimulate interest in sports and to make
substantial efforts to have them useful purpose
in keeping the people, particularly those who are in
the first flush of youth happy. contented healthy
Philadelphia and New York doing great work
along that line Il is conceded that it pays them well TO
do it. The upper reaches Of the Delaware the
OF the schuylk and the beautiful Of
the Wssahckon in Philadelphia all serving a
full purpose in that behalf The shores Of New York
harbor are lined with small craft and with hei houses
of yacht and boat clubs. The Upper Bay. the Kill
Kul the East river and its tributaries and the North
river all used in that great metropolis
and sustain keen interest in aquatic sports. Public
lands bordering the waterways given up TO
yachtsmen and boatmen, only for anchorage pur-
but also for sites for small boat houses owned
by organizations which devoted to the promotion
of such sports and to social enjoyment
For such privileges nominal rents are charged. The
revenues derived are made sufficient pay for the up
keep OF such places and also TO supply watchmen 20
TO il that there is strict observance of the pro-
preucS Ihe leases drawn lot snort terms 30
any danger of the city not being able to regain
possession of the propertieg quickly when they
needed for important public purposes.
Suggestion now is made that the city of Wilmington
spend approximately $4,000 for the purchase Of two
tracts Of land bordering Brandywne creek, near
Eleventh bridge, for the Of those who own
small boats launches. One tract is in the Eighth
and the other in the Ninth ward Such tracts al
ready used largely for such purposes The danger
is. however under private ownership they may be
sold at any time and given other purposes II
that were TO the 100 launches and other
small craft that now rendezvous there would be driven
away Willingness has been expressed by those who
privileges those tracts to pay much,
even more rent the city in return reasonable
assurance that the rendezvous will be destroyed
The boatmen also say they willing to have the
rentals based fair return to the city to the
interest charges the investment and also the cost
of hiring watchman guard the place.
Il to that with such assurances the city
well might consider seriously the wisdom of taking
that waterfront property and leasing it a
sound business basis to the small boat Such
a course would establish two healthfu recreation
tres and benefit two wards. With such ceners also
might go Fairgrounds for children in the neighborhood
each side of the creek. II may be said that
Krkwood Park already supplies playground facilities.
That unquestonaby is true in restricted Chill
like to boats however, and if back Of the
chorage and club house reservations Fairgrounds
should be established they would eclipse all others in
interest Besides the experience Of other cities
been that ultimately it pays municipality TO own
waterfront property a navgable stream. With VIII
mingon harbor improving and the prospects bright for
It's comprehensive development. it is not likely that IL
this city were 20 buy those in the Eighth and the
Ninth wards they would depreciate in value The
natural inclination would be toward an increase as
business expands and the demand for wharfage ex-
pands with Il.