CHILDREN'S RECREATION GROUNDS.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 12 August 1920, Page 3

CHILDREN'S RECREATION GROUNDS.

[From a Correspondent]

A few hints and facts given on the above at an early period would' be advantageous to the laying out of these spaces. No doubt many of us have seen, whilst at Home, the great experiments that have been made in the London Central Parks under Government, and in the Lendon County Council Parks, and have noticed the enjoyment derived therefrom by thousands of children, who otherwise would have found mischief for idle hands to do. The expenses, with a Government grant, would be small, comraratively, to the parental ratepayers. The gymnasiums, on children's playgrounds are divided into three classes for the use of the boys, girls and men respectively. Each gymnasium and playground is under the care of an attendant, and those for girls and children are conducted by a lady supervisor. The children's gymnasia are open from 9 a.m. until sunset on every day except Sundays. The playgrounds nre frequented by children at such times as the schools are closed, and they are much appreciated during the holidays. Provision is made for other amusements, such as swings, giant strides, parallel bars, horizontal ladders, and skipping ropes. Each of these playgrounds contains a large open shed where they may take shelter in wet weather. The size of the children's playground depends upon the space available, but in all cases the open fronted shed should be as large as possible, Lavatories are provided and provision is made for drinking water. The covered shed is supported, on columns, and has a corrugated iron roofIt is advisable to enclose the swings, etc., with i*ailing» in order to prevent the children from injury. Now we come to the most important for the little ones : A sand pit, which is renewed periodically, for them to dig in or otherwise amuse themselves. The heap ot sea sand has much to recommend it. It is simple and it affords an amusement and recreation to a large number of children at one time. A large pit is dug out, generally whatever space is allotted and about 114 to 2 feet in length. The sides should be built of well seasoned timber, preferably 2in thick. A floor made of bricks but not cemented, is an advantage. It is wise to place tarred paving around the outside, say to a width of 4 or 5 feet so that any displaced sand may be readily swept back again. I have seen at a holiday time about 400 to 500 children delighted that they are alive, and to encourage the above system however small would encourage health, youth and

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