The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1921-03-05
THEPARK CONTROVERSY

Due to the high temperature generated by friction which
inevitably results clash opinion fear there grave
danger much Of the discussion may have tendency
muddy the instead OF clarifying the involved in
the pending park controversy well known that hot heads and
clear thinking seldom go together and therefore, we'll for to
bcam ourselves for the purpose OF giving the matter cool
consideration.
For our own part we are in favor the city going ahead and
acquiring the Johnson land for park purposes entering
Tangement whereby portions OF may be used for fair grounds
and baseball and why this be done
ssenty with the plans which placed before the when
the bond authorized the hand mayor
and members OF the city council do take this view OF
and the primary election only days ahead OF
think entirely proper and right that the specific proposition
purchase the suggested be submitted the for de-
con that will the action of the mayor and council Al
though many of citizens desired speedy action the
matter valid grounds for obectng this referendum
will definitely determine the which the people wish
the city authorities take
Let be generous and fair enough the admit
that the public spirited group of citizens comprising the Hot Stove
League and those who agree with them perfectly good faith
cndeavoring do something great the city
should admire the aggressive which org
about tn accomplishment OF their purposes Aso be broad
minded and fair enough conced that those holding opposing
actuaed by equally good faith likewise
mind what they be the best the communi
~ The public has been kept informed concerning all plans for
handling the and there not the slightest sign that any
effort has been made "p something the people
will help much each side controversy will recognize the
other as acting the best of faith and with eye single the
matters Of Judgment
Delng into history discover that when the park
bond proposition placed before the people 1919
proposed park scheme outlined and thoroughly advertised
In general this scheme included park and boulevard system 1t
was proposed to have large park along Line Creek the north
ern part OF the CITY, one IN the southern part and several small
tracts ior Fairgrounds and purposes
sections 1t made plain that the locations suggested only
tentative and whether OF the particular sites mentioned would
be selected would be contingent the ability
9ne them at lair prices and at figures that would within the
limit OF the funds available after allowances made
Tor the cost OF improvements The plans for the park along Line
creek shown by the blue print which publicly display
provided Tor fair grounds athletic and baseball field with the
necessary buildings 1t is therefore, manesy to
speak of the proposed expenditure of the money for fair
grounds and baseball field diversion OF the bonds
their proper purposes since both of these of park
program were included in the original plans placed before the
people II 1t proposed spend the entire
purposes would give entirely different angle to the discus
son but the TACT that the particular purc which the people
the 100000 bond issue leaving the balance carry out the remain
der Of Of, the park scheme as far as possible.
Inc Original plans called for the expenditure of about half of
he 9loUOO Tor boulevard and
parks and park improvements After original estimates were
made property values took hike and the ac
qulson OF the land alone along Line Creek cost about
$5o net This would leave only $4,000 the improvements
IN this park and for buying sites and making improvements on the
other parks promised Clearly is utterly absurd insist that
the original plans which, plainly stated at the time were
only tentative be carried the letter. since the thing i'm
possible. -
Now the city spends $4,000 for the 40 acres COMPRISING the
JOHNSON tract there will be $4,000 left for parks and boule
ou tne Original plans than would be if the greater part the
sum available Tor park expended for the Line Creek
site IL snOuld DE borne mind that
baseball association pay for fair buildings and the
baseball diamond and grandsand The promoters have $50
oo available and the Hot Stove League $780, which would
be practically gift to the people of the from the public
spirited citizens who have subscribed these funds since the
city would receive Just much benefit from expenditure of
these funds as it would the directly contributed to
the park fund Without these funds it would be absolutely i'm
possible for the city deliver the people the fair grounds and
buildings together with baseball grounds promised when the
bonds voted -
In the face Of these facts afford down the pro-
position presented by those who the purchase Of the
ohnson tract? 1t looks like straight business proposition
not permit pettoggery minor and prefer
noes prevent us from doing something which will be Of vast
eneft to the community.