The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1919-06-18
PUBLIC RECREATION MAKES
HAPPY C0NTENTED PEOPLE
Tom NOkes Treats of One Phase
of Play Situation Applic-
able to Bismarck
By TOM NOkES.
Secretary National Baseball Fedora
ton.

It is becoming more and more ap-
parent that public recreation is an
essention proposition in all communi-
ties, and that proper and intelligent
direction and supervision should be
provided for it. The problem of leis-
ure time is a serious one, will be more
serious when the saloons and booze
clubs are eliminated, and must be
given more attention than ever with
the return of millions of American
boys from the service, accustomed as
they have been during their army ca
rees to careful and studied entertain
ment and recreation.
There is no paternalism in mu-
nicipality providing for public ball
fields, tennis courts, golf links, swim
ming pools and bathing houses, foot
ball fields, coasting and skating pla-
ces, basketball courts, community
centers for open forums, reading
rooms, classes in Americanization,
ETC., children's play centers, quot
courts, and dozens of other things
which people enjoy but cannot avail
themselves of the things unless some
one commentaries any or many Of
the features. Band concerts and CON-
munity sings in different sections of
cities, pageants parades, and cele-
brations in honor of certain holidays
and occasions, etc, should all be ar
ranged for and undertaken by the
municipality in the interests of the
people. Spelling bees, debates, pic
0f0 chn N in, in.
ter months for the young and older
folks.
All these things require careful
thought and direction and loads of
hard work in preparation and conduct
The incidental expenses must be pro.
vided for. Therefore, as all of it is
for the welfare and enjoyment of
the people, young and old, why should
not the municipality provide for the
direction and cost out of the public
exchequer? A recreation board or
department should be placed in con-
troll. The said body would in turn en-
ploy trained and competent person
to handle the progrem Of public rec
reation.
A program of public recreation
pays any community in many ways. It
makes for happy and contented citi-
zenship. 1t improves the community
spirit and does much for the moral
side of life. It is health builder. It
attracts people to the community and
holds them there.
There is everything in favor Of mu-
nicipal control of sand lot baseball.
Diadonms are secured and maintain
ed @so;fthat' 'atbe~greatest possible use
of them may be made. Umpires are
trained and paid to handle the regular
scheduled games so that the proper
conduct Of the contests is assured for
both the players and spectators.
Playing fell assignments are made
according to schedule in order that
there will be no conflicts and every
body gets the same show. Proper po-
lice supervision is usually the case
with municipal control of sandlot
baseball. This gives every boy and
young man an opportunity of playing
on open fields under the best auspices
without any heavy expense to himself.
1t also provides wholesome recreation
without cost to the men, women and
children of the community in witness
ing the sport.
Municipal control of recreation,
especially sandlot baseball, assures
the greatest good for the greatest
number in any community.