The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1923-08-02
U.S.SPORT MEET.
IS URGED FOR
DISTRICT !
Washington Seen As Logical
City for Gathering of
Juvenile Athletes.

Possibility of organizing a
National Playground Athletic
Meet to be held in Washington
following the competitions Of
recreation centers throughout the
country in the fall is being dis
cussed by playground enthusiasts.
Interest Is Nation Wide.
Washington, as the National
Capital, it is declared, is the logical
place in which to hold such a com.
petition. Interest in playground de-
velopment has increased to such an
extent in all sections of the country
that today it is taking q leading
place in civic activities.
In many cities, besides Washing
ton, thousands of dollars are spent
annually in providing and maintain.
ing these public recreation centers,
and the feeling among many or the
playground workers here is that the
time has come when a national com.
petitive athletic field day. partict-
pated in by local playground cham
pions from other cities. is both poS'
sible and in the interest Of the play
ground movement.
Dick Tennyson, playground
director Of boys activities in the
district, and fast becoming
recognized as a leader in that
field, 1t Is understood favors hold
ing such a meet in Washington.
He points out that through such
q competition scores OF juvenile
athletes will be brought together
from whose ranks Americas and
possibly the worlds champion
athletes viii later be drawn.
While the project Is still but
tentatively suggested feelers nave
been put out to ascertain the posi-
bility Of financing such a meeting,
with results declared to be en-
couraging.
Plan is Economical.
A lively series of athletic contests
this fall between playground teams
will occur here, 1t is said. with the
certainty that q general field meet
will be staged at the Central High
School stadium.
Among other playground develop
ments being favored is one to erect
clubhouses on the grounds, making
them available for recreational and
community activities during the
winter. In many cities such struc-
lures have been added to the play
grounds, converting such enters
into "shut-in'' country clubs. The
cost of construction IL said to be
small compared with the advAn-
tages derived by residents of the
neirhborhood. They can be erected
for from 81 200 upwards.
More children are taking advan-
tage~ of the. Fairgrounds this sum
mer, than in former years. Con-
sentative estimates place the num-
Der in daily attendance at upwards
of $4,000. Practically all OF the
children frequenting the play
grounds would otherwise be playing
in the streets and the alleys.
Installing swimming pools in the
larger Fairgrounds is favored by
several of the citizens associations.
Playground directors declared they
are needed. Wading pools will prove
the opening wedge in securing the
swimming pools. Fairgrounds in
many cities, 1t is pointed out, are
equipped with swimming pools
which are generously patronized by
the children.
at suppose the first step toward
swimming pools will be the wading
pool" declared a playground work
er today. Then it will be an easy
step to the swimming pool. Play
grounds in cities L have visited
where bathing pools are part of
playground equipment are provided
with regular lighthouses where the
children put on their bathing suits
and later dress in returning home.
Usually a playground attendant,
who understands how to teach
swimming, is in charge of the
pool. Once installed. the pool adds
little to the cost of operating the
playground"