The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1936-11-18
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TWO BIRDS WITH
One STONE
By THE MAN ABOUT TOWN
Observation-Disclosures


A list of projects under the
seven year plan was recently pub
lished in this paper, among them
was a plan for a Yacht Basin at
the Garrison B.ght with ali esti-
mated cost of three hundred thou
sand dollars.
In my opinion this project is
perhaps the most needed, or will
be the most needed of any of those
listed. As Key West develops as
a tourist center, the need for a
yacht basin is going to be keenly
felt, and this location is about the
only available place for it.
The writer has for years had
ideas about the development of
this beautiful water basin, and
evidently some member of the
planning board is looking into the
future, and sees the necessity of
this much needed improvement the
same as myself.
In planning this development,
the writer has an idea that "two
birds can be killed with one stone,"
and will in a brief way outline his
plans. There is sufficient room in
this expanse of water to fill in an
island in the middle Of it, pumping
or dredging out the mud and rock
surrounding the island to make the
basin from eighteen to twenty
feet in depth all around it. This
island could be used as a park or
athletic field, where our baseball
diamond could be located. The
baseball field could be put in the
middle of the island, with a beau
tiful park surrounding it. 1t has
been demonstrated that any kind
of trees or plants will grow in the
mari or mud dug from our waters.
We have only to point out Trum-
BIO Island to convince you of this
fact. Surrounding this island we
would have channel of from a
hundred to two hundred feet wide,
and any depth of water that might
be desired. Docks for the boats
could be constructed at various
points around the island, and these
could be used for fishing also.
Thus we have beautiful yacht
basin and athletic field, combin-
ed, both located right in the heart
of the city, and within easy access
of the people, and both can be
built well within the amount of
money which is being asked for in
the yacht basin project.
Objections might be raised to
the building OF an unsightly base
ball fence in the middle of the
projected island. No fence would
be necessary, as the island would
be sufficient distance from the
shore line of North Beach, with a
scenic bridge connecting the street
with the island.
When baseball games or other
athletic events where an admis-
sion charge was taking place, the
admission could be charged at a
booth at the entrance of the
bridge. This would eliminate the
necessity of an enclosed field. A
few neat little buildings might be
necessary IS quarters for the base
ball athletes that would be here
during training season, but these
would not detract from the ap-
pearance of the park.
In planning this great improve
ment, it should be remembered
that an athletic field on the upper
end of the island could not be
reached by the rank and file of the
people. Should anything akin to
the ideas suggested here be car
ried out. your athletics would be
right in the heart of the city, with
n walking distance of all the peo-
pie.
Paul Ladd who is also interest
ed in this project, is drawing a
plan, which in time will be sub.
mitted to Mayor Galley and the
City Council.