Playing By the Rules: Need for More Playgrounds

Community Ventures

Need for More Playgrounds

Need for More Playgrounds
1913
New York Bureau of Municipal Research, "Report on a Survey of the City Treasury, Assessment, Works, Fire and Property Departments, with Appendices: Prepared for the Civic Survey Committee"
City of Toronto Archives, SC 2, box 2

"The tendency is to establish playgrounds in the suburbs where land is cheap, but they should be just as numerous in the heart of the city where congestion of population breeds moral and physical degeneracy. A playground should be within reasonable walking distance of every child.

Equipment is essential, but far more important ... is the supervision given to the children in their play. If enthusiastic directors with the proper moral viewpoint are given charge of these playgrounds they can do a truly national work in the development of a sound physique and high character....

Play diverts from crime and low pursuits, creating contentment and cheerfulness and inspiring youth with more noble ideals ... The best type of citizen can be evolved only from the healthy robust child, who has a free and well-rounded youth spent in cheerful and clean moral environs."

J.J. Kelso
c. 1907