Evening star., 1939-05-19
Session Maps
Summer Plans
For Child Safety
Dr.. GosIing Warns
Against InstiIIine
Fear to Gain Ends
BY G. ADAMS HOWARD.

BY G. ADAMS HOWARD.
A warning not to instill a sense
OF fee-- in promoting safety was
given by DR.. Thomas w. Costing,
assistant superintendent of schools,
as a program of safety education
and civic standards was inaugurated
yesterday st luncheon meeting at
Wesley Hall, attended by traffic, po-
lice, playground and civic leaders.
Plans were outlined for the pre-
vention of traffic accidents to chill
dren during summer play months,
regulations for increased safety at
and near Fairgrounds and methods
OF arouSlng interest in the care of
public property. 1t was hoped that
the carrying out of these plans will
prevent a repetition of last summer
when nine children were traffic VIC
TINS within six-Week period.
DR. Gosling stated that what was
needed was to make children believe
in safety for the sake of a larger
adventure. I'VE must have whole
some youth" he said, "and educate
them to protect themselves and tell
them how to do so in order that thev
may have more fun out of life. We
want a brave Nation, not a cowardly
one, to face life"
Lewis r. Barrett, co-ordinator of
recreation for the District, stated
that the training of youth was the
greatest Job among democratic ma
tlons. Three plans were paramount,
he said. First, to have ADEQUATE
areas for play; second, to make
them spacious and attractive
whether out-of-doors or indoors:
third, is the responsibility of cre-
atlng a democratic environment,
with safety and health additional
features.
Mrs. Horace j. Phelps, vice presi-
dent OF the Federation of Citizens
Associations, representing the Wom-
ems City Club. urged the beautihca-
ton OF the Fairgrounds. and spoke
OF the work of her club in awarding
prizes for the best Fairgrounds. She
stressed the need of order and
safety.
Miss Sibyl Baker, supervisor of
Fairgrounds, at whose request the
meeting was called, praised the CO.
operation of the Police Department,
and spoke of the splendid work ac-
compllshed by the playground pa
trolS. She pointed out the growing
enthusiasm among the children in
the care of the flowers and shrubs.
William A. Van Duzer, director of
traffic. stated that he had been an
pointed on a special committee by
the Commissioners to study the
playground situation, with emphasis
on approaches and the facilities of
getting across streets. He advocated
the fencing of the Fairgrounds with
gates at street corners only. He
urged the need of parking restric-
tions surrounding the Fairgrounds
and the reduction of speed to Is
miles an hour when the children
were at play and said that a study
was being made to designate the
safest routes for the children to use
in going to and from their homes.
Favors Sidewalk Skating.
DEPRESSING somewhat from the
playground situat ton, Mr.. Van Duzer
advocated a change in traffic regu-
latlons to permit children to roller
skate upon the sidewalks. Admit
ting that collision between a Pc
destrian and skater might at times
result in injuries, he stated that it
would be better than the risk of
death on the street. At the present
time, he said, skaters are classed as
vehicles.
John Nolen, jr., director of plan
ming, National Park and Planning
Commission. outlined his talk with
a map showing proposed recreation
centers for children He stated
that there would be 26 major play
grounds and 160 units upon COM
pletion. 1--WE are planning tar
ahead" he said. 1T is easier to
buy unimproved lots now thai
later, when buildings have been
erected. In some cases we acouice
land and then wait for a COM
munlty to grow around it. We want
adequated places in every secticn
of the city"
Other speakers included T. C.
Jeffers, landscape architect, Ma
tional Capital Park and Planning
Commission; E. S. Hege, Traffic Ad-
visory Council; Harry English, Com
munity Center Department, ana
Harry S. Wender, Traffic Advisory
Council
Praises Ballou's Efforts.
Mr.. Hege praised the safety work
Of DR.. Frank Ballou, superintendent
OF schools, in instructing all teach
ers to give instructions to thei,
classes twice day on how to Jour
ney in the most safety between
home and school. Mr.. Heee also
praised the work of H. B. Schriver,
safety engineer OF the Capital
Transit Co.
Washington I. Cleveland. man.
ager OF the D. C. Motor Club d.
vision OF the American Automobile
Association, presided Before call
ing on the speakers, he mentioned
the awards and banner the A. A. A.
will donate for the best playground.
The Sponsoring Committee fnr
the campaign includes Miss Baker,
MIR. Barrett, Maj. Ernest w. Brown.
Gen. Albert L. Cox, DR.. Gosling.
George E. Keneipp, Whitney Lealy,
Mrs. Elizabeth K. Peoples, Prof.
Charles M. Thomas, Mrs. George
c. Thorpe, Mr.. Van Duzer, Miss
Marjorie webster and Mr.. wender.