The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1915-08-04

PENSACOLA JOURNAL. "
showed the need for, and the oppor
tunity to make, school athletics a
part Of 3 playground and recreation
system. This movement, also, has
lost Roadway owing to lack of
supervision.
Our third effort, the establishment
of a municipal bathing resort at
Bayview Park, has become 50 con-
spicuous, that the broader object of
comprehensive plan to provide
means for physical development and
recreation for the entire city seems
in danger Of being forgotten.
About seven years ago the city
granted the Pensacola Fairgrounds
Committee exclusive control Of the
bathing and recreation privileges at
Bayview Park, such control to be ex-
ercised under the approval of the
Board of Public Works. No muni-
cipal appropriations were made at
that time, but 100000 was raised
and the original pavilion and wharf
erected. Engagements being needed
before the opening each two succeed
ing years, funds were provided by
the Bayview Park Committee of the
Fairgrounds Committee, by borrow
ing on their personal endorsements
until the revenue should be forth
looming. Two municipal appropria-
lions Of $4,000 and $4,000 have
since been made and expended in
additions, renewals, improvements
and equipment.
You gentlemen will recall that the
Fairgrounds Committee requested an
audience with the newly elected Board
i Of Commissioners at which time the
H Fairgrounds Committee rendered a
return Of its commission, which was
met by a renewal of the authority
of the Fairgrounds COMMITTEES by
the Board of Commissioners; also,
you will recall like tender at the
beginning. of the present season,
which was refused because Of . debt
of $4,000 due to loss of funds
through bank failures, and the COM
mittee was instructed to consider its
authority continued for the present
season.
| In complying with your demand,
we wish to state that the debt re-
| ferred to has been paid. We relin-
guish to the city cash in hand, the
personal property, stock, fixtures and
buildings of a value not less than the
, original expenditure of $1,600.00,
! plus the municipal appropriation OF
$4,000.
In our various efforts the Play
grounds Committee has striven to ex-
. emplify methods and procedures
: growing out of experience gained in
, other cities. and accepted by those
!. considered leaders in this national
movement for public recreation which
has found expression in every wide
: awake American city, and we trust
. it is not important to briefly call
/ your attention to some of these gen
/ orally accepted principles.
: Administration.
There are three methods in use:
: Under one Fairgrounds are con-
' Quoted under the city official having
j, control of parks; under another al
! Fairgrounds are considered a part Of
t the general program of education
a and are administered by the school
). board. The third and most gen
n EeraNy accepted practice is admins
Il tratipn by an unpaid, semi-oficia
n committee or commission as has beer
e the case in Pensacola.
: Direction.
d 1t is admittedly impossible to de-
i velop system of Fairgrounds with
t out competent Director of Play
t grounds. This work has become 1
: profession and schools are establish
T ed to train men for such work. Oul
a success in operating a public athletic
: field, a Public School Athletic League
: and a Public Bathing Resort was du,
+ to the fact that the Pensacola YounI
Mems Christian Association for sew
g eral years donated the service of mel
d in its employ capable of organizing
and supervising such projects. Whel
this assistance was withdrawn onl,
the summer work at Bayview ParI
survived.
General Principles.
Public Fairgrounds and recreation
f centers should furnish wholesome
h helpful opportunity for relaxation
IS and amusement, and should not b,
h confused with the catch penn.
2 amusement parks" conducted TO
E profit and consisting principally o
o