New Britain herald., 1916-09-27

| Physical Director Arthur A. Pilz of his report of the first seasons activi- ties at the grounds, and has submitted 1 the report to Rev. John T. Winters
 and the officers of St. Mary's Athletic
 council. The report is a complete re- sume of the various events and at- fractions which were conducted since the opening, of the grounds on July 4.
 The report is as follows: Ut has been proven without a doubt during the past three months that a play ground is of a great benefit to moth CTS and fathers as well as the chill
 dren. It offers an easy and cheap method of building up and conserv- ing the health. It is very evident that a few hours work each week spent in exercises will bring great returns in renewed energy and cleaner men, tai facilities.
 Although games are of a great re- creational value, they do not cOnsti- tute all physical training. Perfect physical development can only be ob
 tained through systematic exercise. Such exercise has been vigorously ad- hered to at St. Mary's playgrounds. The idea of Father Winters in con- verting this piece of land into a play ground has proven an ideal one, as was manifested by the attendnce dur ing the past season.
 Through the cooperation of my valuable assistants, Gerald Crean and John O'Brien for physical work, and Miss Mary Campbell as teacher of h 0ff very smoothly. Ground for the lay out was broken on June 8 and the preliminary work was rushed rapidly but in thorough manner, that when the opening was held, the apparatus and other accessories to the grounds were in the best of condition, safe and sound. The following shows just what was laid out for the pleasure and re- creation of the children and members of the association: Three baseball diamonds, three tennis courts, two basketball courts, field hockey court, croquet green, soccer football field, football gridiron, eight swings, two large sand boxes, four teanters, 100- yards running track, high jump, broad jump and shot-put pits, a six-hole golf course and a splendid two- story clubhouse with all up-to- date equip ments, such as shower baths, etc.
 "Work with the children began at the playgrounds on June 23 for the Fourth of July celebration. The fes- tivities on this date commenced at
 10 a. m, under the most favorable conditions. At noon there was a street parade and in the afternoon the
 grounds started off in full swing. Ten his games, field hockey, athletic sports. folk dancing, baseball game between St. Thomas seminary team and the Y. M. T. A. and B. society, which went fourteen innings, were some of the features. Later I ar ranged for the playing of some of the Factory league games at the play grounds, commencing July 8, and this brought many visitors to our grounds "On July II the Mothers Day plan l was inaugurated, and was conducted
 on every Tuesday afternoon through
 out the favorable weather. Special
 programs were arranged for the l grown-ups, who seemed to thoroughly
 enjoy the entertainment afforded
 "On July 1 5 the girls tennis tour 1 ney was started, the winner being
 Miss Helen McCue. Twenty seven en- 1 tries were received for the event. In 1 the boys class thirty entries started
 and Henry Dolan was the winner of
 first prize. In the senior division | Peter O'Donnell outclassed field of l eighteen entries, winning the cham pionship on Labor day in straight
 sets from AleXius Scott who was the 1 runner-up.
 l The Juvenile Baseball league was l opened on July IS and resulted as | follows:
 l w L. l Eagles