Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-07-13
MUNICIPAL BATHING BEACHES.

II any member of the Board Of Aldermen
needs further evidence to convince him of the
need Of better bathing facilities than the people
Of the city now have he should visit the Bluff
Mt any high tide. but preferably when the tide
Is high in the evening, and see the condition
that exists. There are literally thousands Of
people on the beach and in the water trying
to enjoy themselves, but aside from getting
wet, those who do not care to venture out
beyond their depth do not have much Of a
chance. So thick are the people along the
waters edge that there Is not room to do
Anything but jump UP and down. With every
body splashing about it IL anything but agree
able.
Year after year bathing has become more
popular here. People come not only from all
~teetions Of the city, but from nearby places as
we'll, particularly from the inland towns, to
take advantage Of our waterfront.
Many people prefer the still water for
bathing to the surf. That explains the popu-
lArity OF the numerous swimming pools at the
various resorts along the coast.
Here at Perth Amboy the bay affords an
unsurpassed opportunity for still water bathing.
There are, however, sewers running out from
the end Of practically every street, so that no
matter WQeTe one goes 1Hlo JIG WdISh ~
hardly possible ito get more than a few yards
away from a sewer outlet. Then, there are not
the facilities for the crowds even were the
sewers removed.
When one contemplates that vast stretch OF
sandy beach extending from the railroad east
ward to Catalpa avenue, all belonging to the
city yet remaining deserted year after year
because Of the city's neglect, one wonders why
the thousands who enjoy bathing do not more
strongly impress their demands for adequate
facilities upon the city officials.
with all the vast crowd that was huddled
together on the tiny beach under the Bluff on
the Fourth Of July It Is understood that hun
dreds were turned away. yet. at that, there
were two and three using a single bathing
house at q time. For such accommodation the
people paid well.
It il safe to say that whatever amount the
city might spend in establishing municipal
Hathlg baaches along the river front, the
money would come back in a year or two
through the income from the hire of bathing
houses, which could be rented to the people
at cost, and through the various concessions
that would be readily bought up by persons
desiring to conduct refreshment stands, as well
~ dIlaoSliCAAtos LIN >NJ
and the people would gain considerably by
having . safe and comfortable place to battle.
Such a spot along our waterfront would soon
draw crowds from other places who would
come in by trolley and automobile for an
evenings swim. thus attracting considerable
trade to the city.
But as bathing beaches are thought OF only
IN the summer time and as the city's fnapcial
budget is always prepared in the winter, 1t IS
dificult to get proper recognition of this highly
desirable development. There is nothing that
would tend moro toward the health and enjoy
ment of the people than properly conducted
bathing beaches under municipal SUPERVISION
With the assurance that the investment would
more than take care Of itself so as not TO De a
burden on the taxpayers there is all the more
reason why steps should be taken now to have