The Press., 1912-10-23
FURTHER RECREATIONAL, USE
 OF HYDE PARK.

GlOnS as to the 1uT6n0r r6CroaGlONal use of Hyde Park. To do this it has been necessary to learn the facts about the present use of the park, the needs of the town for more and better recre- ation, the resources, financial and so- cial, available. To this end have to thank the individual members of the commission, who have courteousIy given this information or put me in the way of getting it from others. Facts have been sought from those who were in a position S.to possess ac- curate information, and only such facts as can be substantiated have been considered. This has been, as far as possible, studious, impartial inquiry, with the purpose of carrying out your request.
 Hyde Park is most attractive in it's physical features. The advantage it is to Stafford to own such dignified and beautiful spot cannot be too high ly estimated. Those versed in the administration of parks tell us that the purpose of park is (first) to make people better and happier, and (second to increase the desirability of community as place of residence and of business. There are two reasons why people are attracted to a city or town. Those reasons are it's reputation as place where a man can earn the money to support his family, and it's reputation as a place where he and his wife can have adequate social advantages and his children be taught in good schools. He demands of his town an opportunity to make his liv-. ing, and an opportunity for himself and his family to enjoy his living. A park should take it's place as a factor in the fulfillment of both these de- mands of the citizen. With the first demand business this report is not directly concerned; with the second - social-it has a great deal to do. Present Use of the Park. The roads, and the views to be had at different points, may be enjoyed by those in carriages and motor cars and by those who are good walkers. The ball field is used for practice by the local team and affords great oppor- tunity for the Saturday afternoon game. It is ideally situated.
 On all sides hear expressions of pride in the park, words of apprecia- tion of the work of the commissioners, very little criticism and absolutely no unkind expressions of criticism. AS far as I am able to judge you have the cordial support of the community. A good many citizens, however, have spoken to me of the need of some sort of supervision, the local reasons for which have been submitted in another paper. ..s.. .-
 Need of Organized Recreation.
 There is no physical training in the schools. There is no teaching of games at recess, though find senti- ment in favor of it among the teach CTS, and a recognition of its need. A basketball team for girls has been formed under the charge of a high school teacher, and some athletics for boys is being organized among the students of the high school. Both these teams need place to play, and I am assured by the teachers in charge that they would welcome trained leadership. So far as I have been able to learn there is no gymnasium in the town, except the few pieces of apparatus belonging to the Young Mems club. By way of amusement offered for ! commercial reasons there are moving pictures, bowling and the saloon. Moving pictures have their place in social life, and if properly censored, if held in we'll ventilated halls, and if not mixed with cheap vaudeville, which is too often silly, coarse and vulgar, there may be no harm in them except the cultivation of the habit of passive amusement where there might better be active recreation. Bowling, if carried on under wholesome, clean surroundings, is excellent sport. Of the saloon and it's degrading influence l need not speak, except to remind you that if we do not provide the so- cial cheer and the opportunity for good fellowship and comradeship which are to be found in the saloon, we may not be surprised if our young men spend their leisure hours there. The saloon does not afford recreation. It takes the money, saps the vitality, physical and mental, of it's frequent CTS. That money, and that manhood, it should be our aim to conserve for the welfare of this community.
 Supervision.
 Experience all over the country has taught us that supervision of play is far more necessary than a place to play in or things to play with. If we need local proof of this it may be found at the schools. Teachers of this town have told me that the scholars do not play games at recess unless it is suggested by someone else They stand around and eat, run about wildly and tease one another. Where there is a play director there is a1- ways purposeful play. A place to play. in and things to play with easily fol- low. On the other hand, we may have the ground and ever so expensive equipment, but without play di-s rector it is more than probable that there will still be no play that is worthy the name. ?It,may be counted to us for good fortune if the place we provide is not a positive refuge for evil. Free play, thattis, play that is entirely without supervision, is not possible if there is to be "liberty and justice for all. '' =. T rocommond for vou,. oo,,s;5o.oA;o,,