Norwich bulletin., 1916-01-21
NEW FAIRGROUNDS
 IN UNITED STATES
interesting Fasts in Regard to Great
 Movement for Health and Reerea-

Movement for Health and Reorea-
 tion.
 , Four hundred and thirty-two Amer ican cities maintained neighborhood playerounds under the direction of play leaders during the year which ended November l, 1915. During the last two years 116 cities have estab- lished playgrounds. The number of new playgrounds secured is nearly 1000, bringing the total number of playgrounds now in operation up to 3,2S4 When the Playground and Recreation association of America was organized less than 10 years ago. only a few of the larger, cities ever had summer playgrounds and many of these were supported by private funds. Now III cities employ 1,053 play lead CTS throughout the year. Reports from 97 cities where the nefghborhood play grounds are open throughout the year showed 573 year-round playgrounds.
 In 250 cities, more than half of the 432 cities. playgrounds, like parks and schools. are administered by the mu- nicipality itself. Everywhere city gov ernments are recognizing that the maintenance of neighborhood play grounds is a regular government ob- ligation.
 Seventy cities maintain classes for ESCEc<tlAOA WOIhcIE-~ WO thousand, one hundred and sixty-four students are reported in 55 of these cities. A new profession has grown up. Within two years the number of play leaders increased 1,fS9 so that there are now 7,507 workers employed in addition to 1929 caretakers.
 Last year the expenditures reported in the cities of America were $4,066.- 37715. In addition the Playground and Recreation Association of Amer ica spent $82, ,505.79. In 19 cities, bond issues for recreation purposes were to $1,665,750. In 49 cities neighbor- hood playgrounds have been donated to the city by private individuals, the value of this property in IS of these cities is s4s7.1O0.
 Six hundred and twelve school evening recreation centers in 136 cities. Fifty-five cities report 146 buildings which are set aside and wholly given over as neighborhood recreation center buildings. In 2e cities streets are set aside for play have 306 swimming pools. Ninety four cities reported 314 public baths.
 The average daily attendance on the summer playgrounds in 3S9 cities re- porting was S14, ,10S. Ninety cities re- ported an average daily attendance at winter centers of 200,47S.
 The Playground and Recreation As- sociation of America corresponded with more than 500 cities and towns which have not yet secured a single playground. In addition to the 432 cities which have playgrounds, there are 33S cities which do not have play grounds and play leaders which re- port some progress, such as land se- cured, an appropriation made, or plans laid. so that 779 cities were active in one way or another in the play move ment last year. Reports were received from 1887 of the 1,750 cities from whom information was sought.
 Within less than six years the na- tional association has been in core spondence with about 22,50O different persons in the cities of America, and last year trained field secretaries from the association worked in 61 cities. Among the leaders in the Play ground and Recreation Association of America are: Joseph Lee, Boston: Henry P. Davison, New York; Robert Garrett, Baltimore: Gustavus T. Kir- by, New York. The main office is 1 Madison avenue. New York. There are branch offices in Chicago and Bir- mingham.