The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1946-03-16


q series Of articles covering the
10th annual report Of the Park
Department as submitted by
James j. Curtin, superintendent.
Extensive and specialized repairs
renovations and new plans for Wa
terbury's parks and recreational
facilities were undertaken during
1945 despite curtailing wartime re-
strictions. The annual report Of
the department has been submitted
to the Mayor and the members Of
the Park Board by Supt James
j. Curtin. 1t represents Mr.. Cur
tins 10th annual report, and the
25th OF the department.
Major repairs were started IN the
late Fall OF 1914 to the Hamilton
Park pool, the mecca Of Waterbury
kids for many summers. The pool
was originally constructed IN 1907.
Due to age and constant use 1t be-
gan to show acute need for repairs
two years ago, with roots working
through cracks, and heaves appear
ing in the floor. The repairs neces-
sary entailed extensive work con-
sisting of almost q complete re-
construction Of the pool. Some
minor work yet remains to be done,
Mr.. Curtin reports.
Also included in plans for Ham
ilton park are the regarding and re-
seeding of the East Main Street
and Silver Street entrances and the
covering with Sub-soil OF large
area of Silver Street now badly
eroded.
Costly Vandalism
Vandalism took heavy toll OF
Fulton Park, considered one OF the
most beautiful parks in Connecticut.
AS reported here previously, small
trees, shrubs and flowers have been
uprooted and cast aside within a few
feet OF where they were planted;
ANIMALS, bulbs, shrubs and small
trees have been dug up and taken
away, in many instances but few
hours after being planted by Park
Department workers, Mr.. Curtin re-
ports.
The better grade stock in the
nursery has been taken; numerous
evergreenS, enough to fill truck,
have been carted away. It was and
still is presumed the thieves were
familiar with the stock inasmuch
as the thefts consisted Of jumpers,
yews and aborvitaes which are
highly expensive,
1t is estimated as result of the
theftS and the lack Of regular re-
placements during the war years
that some 5000 bushes and shrubs
of varying sizes will have to be
planted. A $4,000 square feet Sec
ton north Of the Rose Garden was
resurfaced. 1t is hoped that 1915
will see the completion Of the new
athletic field between the Bowling
Green and Greenwood Avenue. This
will make available an athletic field
consisting Of a baseball diamond,
softball, football and a battery OF
six tennis courts.
Minor repairs and renovationS
were undertaken for Chase Park
and its recreation house, Mr.. Cur
tin reports. Further work will be
undertaken during 1915.
Heavy Golf Play
A total of 34,O95 rounds Of golf
was played at the Municipal Coli
Course during the 1915 season, the
superintendent reports. More than
1000 rounds were played on Satur-
day and Sunday over certain week.
ends Of the season.
Because Of the demands plans
are being considered for the expan-
sion Of the club house facilities,
and II necessary, for the addition OF
another nine holes to the course or
the construction Of another course
elsewhere in the city. Improve
ments on the 18th and 18th fair
way were made during the year
Expansion OF parking facilities and
others are being undertaken also
Mr.. Curtin also recommends the
construction OF a practice putting
green. The club house was COM
pletely cleaned and repaired where
necessary.
Only maintenance work was UNI
dertaken at the Washington Park
Community area, the report states
It is hoped that the area south Of
the Community building can be de-
veloped as a picnic area viii
benches. tables and firepiaces. Thu
construction and handspring OF the
Dixie Avenue entrance also u
planned,