The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-08-05
MEN, WOMEN
 AND THINGS

Park on Tuesday afternoon and was agreeably surprised to find that the ursightly and hazardous roller coaster had been torn down.
 But my biggest surprise was to find that the site had been converted into one of the beauty spots of the park. I could hardly believe my eyes. for it seemed almost like magic, for beautiful beds of cannas and colias were set down in the midst of the green turf, adding the needful color to complete the lovely pie ture
 The improvement was so marked that 1 made inquiry and learned that the land scaping and planting had been done by Miles Bradford, the superintendent. I looked him up and soon found out that he was an enthusiast on the subject, and having seen some of his handiwork, 1 am ready to admit that he is real artist. He has used cannas and colias with great effect.
 I never sympathized with the grouchy eastern tourist, who, tiring of the con- tinual praise of the natural beauty of Colorado, blurted out, Well, you can't eat it," thereby shutting off all talk about mountains. rivers and lake. It is true that scenery is not an article of diet to fatten the stomachs of materialists, but lit is food for the soul of those who are fed at the table spread by Mother Earth.
 p .x-G Central parks, but the latter became lknown as Capitol park and now goes under the name of Woodrow Wilson. But these are all parks. and while they are breathing spots in the downtown sections, and are much used East park by the boys and girls for sport and Woodrow Wilson for community sings. and West park for those looking for a quiet place to sit beneath the shade, yet their size made it imperative that the city provide others as relief to the people.
 But this is not to be history or even catalogue of the parks of Birmingham, or an attempt to set out their potentialities if properly developed. Ned Brace" called attention to the need and opportunity in his corner in Sundays Age-Herald. My aim is merely to say good word for East Lake park since it has been taken over by the city. Now, I have a pretty good knowledge of our American cities, and I know of no place which has as attractive a park within it's doors as is East Lake. There are some which are much larger there are others on which mere money has been spent; but take 1t all around, I wouldn't swap the one I am bragging on for any of them.
 1
 I feel personal interest in East Lake, for it has grown up under my very nose. I knew the site before it was laid out for park purposes. I have watched it's
 growth from its birth I remember well
 what favorite place it used to be among
 the society set. When the pavilion was
 first erected, the upper floor was set
 apart for dancing, and many a dance did
 the fathers and mothers of today enjoy , Lack in the sos. It was the meeting place as we'll as the show place.
 } The whole story of East Lake park
 
 I. has had it's ups and downs; but in all of it's history it is prettier now than ever before, and what is more, is better serv- ins the people as whole than at any time in it's career. I say this advisedly for it is now a distinctly home park.
 mean by this it is patronized by people
 who merely wish to go out and have g
 pleasant outing without any particular
 thrills.
 0 Yes. know it has number of amuse- l ments which are common at the average l suburban park but the ones at Eas : Lake are conducted not after the rip
 roaring g-hurly-burly style of a midway V but in an orderly and more quiet way. do not mean that all pep has been pre- q digested. but I wish to convey the ides that a tired father and mother can takt - the kiddies out and let them have { - good time without feeling after they re & turn home that they have used up al
 their nervous energy by having to gt t through the usual "jazz band" stuff g. which is pulled off in most summer re e sorts
 It is possible to put in pleasant hou in the Ostrich Farm, ride on Queer II Bess' is both refreshing and cooling, . trip through the Old Mill is sure to giv, s a thrill the Ferris Wheel gives goot n view of the surrounding country, tn,
 Whip will make you forget your worry
 the Merry-go-round will bring bacl
 pleasant memories Of childhood. you cal ihave d swim in the lake and get a bis r, splash by coming down the chute Afte a having completed the round of amuse
 ments you will be ready to get your luncl ' iT the pavilion or spread out the on l. you broght in one of the attractive she'd d provided for your convenience. e The old pavilion has been converte y into a music hall. It has been pante, e white and trimmed in green, and is al = ideal place to sit and listen to the band " while the breeze comes in from over tn Id lake. If you haven't been out this sea
 son with the wife and the children, talk a tip from me and devote an afternoon Ito visit to East Lake. and believe i le better half and the little ones will thanl ,e daddy" for having given them a goo,
 time.
 East Lake is not large body of water
 and yet it is big enough for swimmin
 contests, and the one to be staged o r. Saturday will draw the best swimmer If from all parts of the country. I hay
 been surprised that it hasn't been utilize IS more for regattas. Plans are being mad :" for day ande night to be given r. aquatic sports. The Little Cahaba is owe