The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1917-05-03
Vol lE~s@So
TrlKlR, lP{nW[plb{n
Public recreation Building Needed.

feel the need Of a gymnasium, and
how quickly they appreciate it and
learn to use it when once provided, is
shown by the increasing activities con
Quoted in the gymnasium of the new
Lincoln School
A great need for another gymnasium
exists at the High School. Several
years ago plan was made for building
at the north side of the present High
School wing, which should contain a
public auditorium and gymnasium.
This it may be remembered, was the
first unit of a larger High School to be
completed later, on that site. The plan
was abandoned, and now when we
think of the new High School our I'M
agination takes US to larger site. the
new one at the west, already purchased
by the board.
But there is something in the old
idea that should not be abandoned.
Kenosha needs a public recreation cen
ter, and what better place can be found
for it than the vacant space on the
High School grounds?
At this time when so much is being
said about compulsory physical train
ing for pupils of the elementary and
high schools in preparation for compul-
sorry military training later, we see
that the first thing requisite to make
this physical training effective is a
place where it can be carried on. The
school board has this year paid out
in rent for a place in which the High
School boys could practice and play
basketball. Since the old High School
auditorium was pulled down, this has
been the only way in which. the usual
High School athletics could be carried
on.
Such building as the one mentioned
would not only provide place for the
physical training of High School boys
and girls, but it would be "public
recreation center" conveniently loca-
ted, and if well equipped, it would be
an attractive all-year-round place of
public resort, benefit to the young
and a credit to progressive city.
w. S. Hanson, the director of physi-
cal training Of the public schools gives
the following answer to the question,
What is recreation building?
cit is neither library nor a school
house. One of the mistakes to be
avoided is the confusing of school
buildings and recreation buildings. We
may include a reading room, game
room and even a class room for such
occupations as drowning, clay modelling,
music, etc., but the activities of the
recreation center should emphasize
physical training.
"We go to the library for mental
growth, relaxation and research; we
attend school primarily for systematic
mental training. It is a mistake to
crowd together too many forms of rec
reational and educational activity into
one center Mind and body go togeth-
er, the education of each is necessary
to the fullest human development, but
that does not mean that our schools and
libraries should serve as recreation
centers as well as performing the uses
for which they were intended.
HHThe ideal recreation building con-
tains gymnasium, running track, and
gallery, lockers and dressing rooms,
shower baths and swimming pool, spe-
cial exercise room, hand ball courts,
physical examination room, meeting
room and administration offices. The
gymnasium may b used as a public
hall for concerts and entertainments.
The building should be well ventilated
and lighted.
"A recreation building, then, is a
municipal gymnasium, public bath
combined with swimming pool and
a public hall. Yes, and if such were
placed in a central location it's worth
would soon be demonstrated by thou
sands of children, clerks, business and
professional -len, policemen, fremen,
letter carriers, department store girls
and many others who become fatigued
from the daily grind. Wholesome ex-
ercise under pleasant conditions gives
renewed strength and fresh enthusi-
asm, the intoxication of perfect health,
from which results only clearer vi
sion and normal viewpoint.
"True living does not mean how
much we can get, but rather how much
can we give. Through giving we grow
in character. What is true of the in
dividual is true of city. A city filed
with greed ami selfshness must crum-
bic, but a city which builds for itself
those institutions which make human
happiness and good citizenship, grows
in character and adds strength to the
nation. MARY D. Bradford, superin-
tendent of schools.