Evening star., 1940-03-05
Takoma Recreation
Center Plans Brinq
Citizen Protest
Association Disoerees
With Points Raised
By Barrett

Retention of the present Whittier
Fairgrounds for use of small chill
dren in preference to section Of
the Takoma Recreation Center was
expressed last night by various
speakers at a meeting of the Citi-
zens' Association of Takoma Park,
D. C.
AS a special feature of the meet
ing Lewis r. Barrett, co-ordinator
of recreation for the District, spoke
on the development of Takoma
Recreation Center as tentatively
planned. He pointed out the va
rious activities on the Federal-owned
tract between Third, Fifth. Sheri-
dan and Van Buren streets NV. on
which is also located the new CAL
win Coolidge High School. The
particular plan displayed. he said,
had been developed more for the
purpose of securing grades and to
lay out the different areas.
Adjacent to the stadium in the
rear of the high school, but in the
center part of the tract, would be
located an Office, with baseball dia-
monds for softball along Third
street and with the tennis courts
and swimming pool as at present.
At the corner of Fifth and Van
Buren, streets it is proposed to set
aside section for the use of chill
dren under 9 years of age, with
necessary equipment. 1t was at
this point that several of those
present took the floor and opposed
this part of the plan.
Objections Voiced.
1t was pointed out that Fifth
street is bus route and would en-
danger the lives of children at
tempting to cross this thoroughfare,
which was considered trafnc haz-
ard. The speakers in most in
stances favored continued use Of
the Whittier Fairgrounds for the
small children, which was the orig
inal intent when that tract, bounded
by Third, Fourth, Van Buren, and
Whittier streets, was purchased by
the District years ago.
Mr.. Barrett said it was planned
to construct additional tennis courts
on portion of the Whittier grounds
and retain the remainder of the
tract as community park for gath
erings and activities. It was also
pointed out that there was mo op-
DO :ition of residents along Fourth
street to the Whittier grounds,
which many felt should be further
developed. Mr.. Barrett explained
that the Takoma Recreation Center
was for the benefit of citizens for
half a mile in every direction.
He was asked if it was the in
tention to abandon the Whittier
playground and If possibly the Dis
trict would sell it. He said he was
unable to give any information on
this subject.
Voted Confidence in Lodge.
William H. Parsons, chairman Of
the Laws and Legislation Commit
tee, proposed a resolution, which
was adopted, extending vote Of
confidence in Chairman Thomas E.
Lodge of the A. B. c. Board, at the
same time deploring the investiga-
ton of two cases by congressional
committee while they were still
under the jurisdiction of the board.
The association reiterated its op-
position to any bill looking to the
establishment of horse racing and
wagering in the District.
Officers to be elected at the April
meeting were nominated as follows:
President, Wallace C. Magathan;
first vice president, Bruce e. An
derson; second vice president, Lewis
A. Jones; secretary, William M.
Greene; corresponding secretary,
Carl c. King; treasurer, DR.. Nor
man E. Mc1ndoo; delegates to Fed
Grafton Of Citizens Associations,
D. B. Guynn and Mr.. Greene,