Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-09-10
People who 90 through life in fear
Of being misun derstood tend to be-
come q little tiresome.
+ -Viscount Rothermere.
EVERY REASON FOR THIS

Fairgrounds for the children are
i concern to forward looking people
everywhere and a subject for con-
sideration of parents. educators and
philanthropists. from the Children's
Bureau at Washington to the small
community. The situation is serious
~ aggravated by the danger that the
motor vehicle has brought to our
highways. where children are In
clired to congregate if other advan-
tages be not afforded them.
In this city Hon. George E.
Macomber. recognizing the need,
resolved to demonstrate the advan-
tages Of a public playground for
children. With him to resolve was
to act and to his foresight and
generosity Augusta children Of this
and succeeding generations are in
debted. He gave and equipped the
Macomber Playground. one Of the
delightful places of which Augusta
IS proud.
But this is not so situated as to
afford the children of all the city
the advantages We would have for
them and a movement is on foot to
establish another in part Of the
city where the need is insistent. This
movement should succeed. We are
informed that If a suitable site may
be purchased at a reasonable price
there are those ready to provide the
funds so that the city will not be
called upon to contribute any part
of the purchase price. Surely a way
should be found for doing this.
There isn't the slightest doubt but
suitable Fairgrounds contribute In
directly their part to that civic enter
prise. which enhances the value of
the real estate and of the business
Of the community.
When the child willingly submits
to cleanliness for the sake Of Joining
its fellows in sports under the super
vision of instructors, who make of
sport medium for education, when
IT thinks Of other things than mis-
chief. when its mind may be whole
somely encouraged to develop, 1t Is
in way to grow up a better citizen,
a source Of profit rather than loss
to the community. good invest
nent? None better.
The City of Portland finds 1t so and
from its Is Fairgrounds. seven base
ball and two football fields, six tennis
courts and a bowling green, 1t has
ample opportunity to observe results
Speaking of this the Portland Ex-
press declares: "One of Portlands
greatest assets Is her Fairgrounds"
XXX that over 500 citieN in this
country have proven that play
grounds are one Of the best invest
ments they can make. They promote
better citizenship, make for healthier
children and this means a stronger
manhood and womanhood, and de-
crease to a really remarkable extent
the accidents to children xxx"
Is Augusta to neglect its best
assets when public spirited people
are willing to help US to conserve
them? Fortunately we don't have
to 90 outside our own city to learn
of the advantages a playground for
children affords. The demonstra ton
has been provided out of the public
spirit and generosity of one of our
own citizens. He would have
another playground established that
more may profit than is possible
under present conditions. Consider
ing what he already has done, his
wishes in this respect merit our
support, were there no other reason,
but there are, abundant reasons
and not one against the endeayor.