NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS PRESS RELEASES, JANUARY-DECEMBER 1942
http://home2.nyc.gov/html/records/pdf/govpub/41971941_press_releases_part2.pdf
Corrected by Frank da Cruz, July 2014.
Original order preserved (reverse chronological).
Paragraphs reformatted by recombining hyphenated words and filling to 78 cols.
Some tables reformatted to fit in 78 columns.
Tabs converted to spaces.
Coding: ISO 8859-1 (for cent signs and some fractions).
Search Terms relevant to New Deal:
work projects [23]
WPA [3]
W.P.A. [1]
Federal Public Roads Administration [1]
Other interesting search terms:
Benny Goodman
Benny Carter
Cab Calloway
Jimmy Dorsey
I.W.W.
26 New Deal Projects in this archive:
5 Jan 1942 Brooklyn New playground at Shore Parkway and 17 Avenue [1]
6 Jan 1942 Queens Reconstructed park at 79th Street and 68-69 Ave [2]
24 Jan 1942 Manhattan New playground at York Avenue and 91-92 St [3]
9 Feb 1942 Queens Beginning of construction of new park by PS43 [4]
16 Mar 1942 Brooklyn Reconstruction of Bensonhurst Park
1 Apr 1942 Brooklyn New playground in East New York [5]
5 Apr 1942 Brooklyn New playground and field house Dyker Beach Park
8 Apr 1942 Brooklyn New playground on Third Avenue at 34-35 Street[6]
10 Apr 1942 Brooklyn Announce widening of Flatbush Ave [7]
21 May 1942 Manhattan Reconstruction of Oracle House in Carl Schurz Park[8]
25 May 1942 Brooklyn Reconstructed playground in Gravesend Park
29 May 1942 Manhattan New diving pool at John Jay Swimming Pool + bleachers
5 Jun 1942 Brooklyn New playground at 2nd Ave and 55-56 Street
5 Jun 1942 Brooklyn New playground at Shore Parkway and East 12th St [9]
5 Jun 1942 Brooklyn New playground at Avenue S and East 16-17 St [10]
10 Jul 1942 Queens New playground at 45th Avenue and 21st Street [11]
10 Jul 1942 Queens New playground at Utopia Parkway and 73rd Avenue [12]
10 Jul 1942 Queens New playground in Far Rockaway Blvd and Mott Ave [13]
25 Jul 1942 Brooklyn Five new playgrounds at Owl's Head Park
8 Sep 1942 Brooklyn New playground at Park Avenue and Floyd Street [13]
16 Sep 1942 Brooklyn Reconstructed playground Aberdeen St, Bushwick Ave[13]
23 Sep 1942 Queens New playground at Central Avenue and 70-71 Street [14]
23 Sep 1942 Brooklyn New playground at PS 35 [15]
16 Oct 1942 Manhattan New playground at Park Ave and 108-109th Streets [16]
19 Nov 1942 Brooklyn New playground at Fulton and Truxton Streets [17]
27 Nov 1942 Manhattan New playground at 104th Street and East River [18]
[1] Now called Bath Beach Park
[2] Middle Village Playground
[3] At the site known as Asphalt Green
[4] Now parking lot and playground of PS 40, Samuel Huntington School
[5] Now called Hamilton Metz Field
[6] No longer exists
[7] By Federal Public Roads Administration for Floyd Bennet Field
[8] Gracie Mansion
[9] Homecrest Playground
[10] Kelly Memorial Park and Playground
[11] John F. Murray Playground
[12] Utopia Playground
[13] Street names have changed - site can't be located
[14] Now called Glendale Playground
[15] Now called Decatur Playground and PS 35 is Stephen Decatur Middle School
[16] PS 108 playgound
[17] Callahan-Kelly Playground
[18] Now called Playground 103 CIII
(begin archive)
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Index - January to December
1942
1/5/42 1 3-acre Playground opened on north side of Shore Parkway
1/6 2 Reconstructed half acre playground in Middle Village Queens opened
1/7 3 Bids opened for traffic divider on Interboro and Grand
Central Parkways
1/9 4 Gracie Mansion to be permanent residence for Mayors
1/9 5 205 Park areas set aside for ice skating
1/16 6 Admission to spectators at the City Building during free period for
the children will continue
1/22 7 Gracie Mansion being converted to residence for Mayor
1/24 8 New playground at York Avenue and East River Drive
1/28 9 Contract to plant west end of East River Park
2/9 10 Beginning of construction on Brooklyn and Queens Playgrounds
2/20 11 Eight boxing exhibitions Feb. 20 - March 27
2/28 12 "For Victory Ice Revue of 1942"
3/1 13 Fishing areas set aside
3/2 14 Twin lion cubs born in Prospect Park
3/5 15 Donation of waterfront park by Dodge and Perkins families in Bronx
3/6 16 Boxing Exhibition
3/11 17 Golf and tennis permits go on sale
3/11 18 Baby camel born in Central Park
3/13 19 Flounder fry deposited in Jamaica Bay
3/16 20 Work completed on reconstruction of Bensonhurst Park
[The next three inserted in handwriting...]
3/21 21 Indoor Speed Skating Championships
3/27 22 "Keep-Em Rolling" Revue of 1942 March 27
3/28 23 Easter Flower Show - Prospect Park - March 29
4/1 23 New playground opened in Brooklyn
4/3 24 9 of the 10 municipal golf courses opened
4/6 25 New playground and field house completed in Brooklyn at Belt
Parkway and Dyker Beach Park Golf course
4/8 26 New playground at Third Avenue 4 from 34th to 35th Streets
4/10 27 Contracts to be let this spring for development of portion of
Marine Park, Brooklyn between Shore Parkway, Flatbush
Ave and Rockaway Inlet
4/13 28 Boxing instructions and training announced for tournament leading to
city championships
4/16 29 Memorandum to Board of Estimate on reductions in 1942-43 Executive
Budget for Park Dept.
4/17 31 168 baseball diamonds and 240 Softball fields open April 18
4/17 31 Five best one act plays to be presented April 18 in Bronx
4/20 31 9 of the city's 10 golf courses opened since 4/4
4/23 33 Schedule of tournaments, contests, athletic meets and special events
announced for spring season
4/24 34 "Pet Shows" to be conducted by playground children 4/25
4/24 35 Baby aoudad born Central Park Zoo, April 21
4/24 36 Bids opened on three contracts on development of sections of
Flushing Meadow Park.
4/27/42 37 Preliminaries and quarter finals in boxing tournament
4/27 38 Llama calf born Central Park Zoo 4/23
4/29 39 Long Island Park Commission, Jones Beach State Parkway Commission
et al working with army, navy and civil defense agencies on
summer use of public beaches
5/4 40 Increase in use of golf cours essince 1936
5/5 41 Another section of Gowanus improvement by Triborough Bridge
Authority
5/7 42 Fishing from Steeplechas e Pier, Coney Island regulations
5/10 43 Ice skating to be discontinued at Flushing Meadow Park May 10
5/18 44 Granite and bronze memorial to W. Arthur Cunningham completed
5/18 45 Special arrangements for members of armed forces at public beaches
5/21 46 Completion of reconstruction of Gracie Mansion
5/22 47 Novice Boxing Championship at Triborough Stadium May 22
5/25 48 Work completed on reconstruction of 6 and a half acre playground at
Gravesend Park
5/27 49 Novice Boxing Championship at Triborough Stadium, May 28
5/29 50 Opening of new diving pool at John Jay Swimming Pool at 78 Street
and East River
5/29 51 First Naumberg Concert of season on Central Park Mall, May 30
5/29 52 17 outdoor swimming pools open May 30
5/30 53 Department puppeteers to give shows in June to July 4
6/2 54 Letter of R. C. Geist to R. Moses and reply on use of bicycles on
parkways
6/3 55 Japanese Building at Flushing Meadow Park to be razed. Reply
to group asking to be done promptly.
6/4 56 Tennis facilities available to armed forces
6/4 57 Baby seal born Central Park Zoo June 3. Also bison calf at Prospect
Park Zoo
6/5 58 Opening of 3 new playgrounds in Brooklyn
6/6 59 City Building at Flushing Meadow Park to be closed June 7
6/12 60 Tennis clinic at Mullaly Park in Bronx, June 14
6/15 61 Concerts with dancing sponsored by Con Ed to start June 16
6/18 62 8th annual American Ballad Contest for Barber Shop Quartets on
the Mall, Central Park, June 28
6/19 63 9th Annual "Learn to Swim" Campaign to start June 20
6/27 64 Finals of city wide handball tournement for girls at North
Meadow Central Park 6/27
6/30 65 First of series of stage and water shows at Flushing Meadow
amphitheatre, July 1
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Tuesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 June 30, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the first of a series
of stage and water shows to be held at Flushing Meadow Amphitheatre in
Flushing Meadow Park on Wednesday evening, July 1, at 8:3O.
The series of six shows presented last year drew
approximately 40,000 spectators end proved so popular that this year,
instead of the one show a week, two shows will be presented, one on
Wednesday evening and one on Friday evening.
Some of the features will be: exhibition diving,
water ballets, well-paced vaudeville revues, clown diving and the very
popular kiddie stars trained at the municipal pools.
George Sterney and his orchestra will return this year to
furnish the musical background. One of the attractions st the Amphitheatre
this year will be Don Eastin, who will be featured at the piano.
The stage of the Amphitheatre has been completely redecorated
and the lighting has been rearranged to meet the dim-out requirements.
There will be 6,000 seats available at 25¢ each, with
the seats in the reserved section priced at 35¢, tax included.
Ample parking space is provided free of charge.
***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Saturday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 June 27, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the city-wide
finals of the Handball Tournament, singles only, for girls 16 years
of age and over, will take place at North Meadow Playground, Central
Park, 110 Street and West Drive, on Saturday, June 27, at 2:00 P.M.
Several hundred girls have participated in the playground
eliminations throughout the various boroughs during the past three weeks.
Each borough will have one representative at the city championship.
Borough winners will receive silver pins; city-wide winner
will be awarded a sweat shirt, with the Park Department insignia, a
sycamore leaf, on it.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 June 19, 1942
(Delivered 12 Noon 6/18/42)
The Department of Parks ninth annual "Learn to Swim"
campaign will start on June 20 at all of the department's seventeen outdoor
swimming pools. Since the inception of this campaign in 1934, over 100,000
boys and girls were taught to swim.
The rise in the number of children taught to swim in the
Park Department's pools, closely parallels the report of the American Red
Cross Director of Water Safety which indicated a steady decrease in the
number of drownings in New York City in the past few years.
Beginning June 20, the outdoor pools under the
department's supervision will be open daily from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. A free
period for children fourteen years and under will be held each day from 10
A.M. to 12 noon and during this period classes will be organized for
beginners. This free period will continue throughout the entire summer.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Thursday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 June 18, 1942
See attached sheet for names & pix no.of prints
The Department of Parks announces that the 8th Annual
American Ballad Contest for Barber Shop Quartets will take place on the
Mall, Central Park, 71st Street and Center Drive on Thursday, June IS, at
8:30 P.M. In the event of rain the contest will be held on Tuesday, June
30, at the same time and place.
As a special feature attraction of this year's program,
there will be a separate division for Service Men's Quartet representing the
U. S. Marines, the Merchant Marine Academy, Coast Guard, Coast Artillery,
Infantry and Anti-Aircraft Units.
Another highlight of the evening's entertainment will be
the famous radio quartet, "The Southernaires", who will be on hand to
entertain the thousands of lovers of harmony by singing some of the popular
southern melodies.
The judges are composed of experts in the field of song,
and others who have qualified through past service. William C. Handy, com-
poser of the famous old song "St. Louis Blues* and top tenor in a Barber
Shop Quartet, which traveled throughout the country as part of a minstrel
show back in 1897, has consented to be one of the judges. His associates at
the judges' table will be Mayor LaGuardia, Governor Al Smith, Park
Commissioner Robert Moses, Geoffrey O'Hara and Jack Norworth, song
composers, George E. Rea, President of the New York Curb Exchange, James
F. Evans, Director of State Parks, Paul Winslow of the Taconic State Park
Commission, Frank W. Smith, retired President of the Consolidated Edison
Company, Charles U. Powell, retired Engineer in Charge of Queens
Topographical Bureau, and harmonica virtuoso, and Douglas Paige.
During the past two weeks, the preliminaries were held in
each of the five boroughs. After listening to a rendition of such popular
American Ballads as: "Dear Old Girl", "Let Me Call You Sweetheart", "Take Me
Out to the Ball Game", '^Sandy Lee", "Yankee Doodle Dandy", and other songs
made famous by the harmonizers of the old tonsorial parlors in the early
part of the present century, the judges of the respective borough contests
decided that 13 quartets qualified for the city-wide finals on June 18
besides the 6 quartets representing the armed forces. The selection was
predicated on a comprehensive variety of factors including rhythm,
intonation, tone quality, diction, precision, dynamics, voice blending,
harmonic originality, phrasing, costume and stage presence.
The 13 groups of civilian balladeers are composed of men drawn
from every walk of life embracing commercial, industrial, social and civic
organizations.
The "St. Mary's Horseshoers" quartet, which won the
championship in one of the previous contests, will be there to retrieve the
crown of harmony. In addition, we will have such quartets as "The Paramount
Four", "Club Harmony", "The Ridgewood Clippers" and "The Four Overtones".
Each quartet will be permitted to sing two numbers, both
of which shall not exceed eight minutes duration.
Appropriate prizes will be awarded to each member of the
quartets, in both the civilian and service men's division, attain which
first, second and third places.
Music for the evening's entertainment will be furnished by
both the Park Department Band and the U. S. Coast Guard 17-piece orchestra,
under the leadership of Thomas MacLauren, with Dick Judge, the orchestra's
vocalist, who was formerly associated with the famous name bands of Teddy
Powell and Richard Himber.
The public address system will be supplied by the Municipal
Broadcasting Station WNYC. Various portions of the program will be broadcast
according to the following time schedule:
WNYC - 9:15-9:45 P.M.
WEVD -10:00-10:30 P.M.
* * * *
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21582 Coast Artillery, Anti-Aircraft, Ft. Totten, Queens (left to right)
Privates: John King, Willard Gould, Arlee Fee, Robert Addeo
21580 Merchant Marine Academy, Ft. Schuyler, Bronx (left to right)
Cadets: C. E. Steel, B. D. Bishop, A.T. Philpotts, S. M. Moodie
21572 Ridgewood Clippers, Queens (left to right)
Vincent DeMorinis, John H. Redderson, Charles J, Redderson, Otto Bauer
21561 U. S. Marines, Navy Yard, Brooklyn (left to right)
Pvt. William Cummings, Sgt. Frank lessor, Sgt. Frank Irwin,
Pvt. F.C. Harry Hanoher
21559 372 Infantry, First Battalion, Brooklyn (left to right)
Pvt. Silvester, S/Sgt. Thomas Gill, Pvt.F.C. Toussaint Ayers,
Sgt. George Miller
21579 Paramount Four, Bronx (left to right)
Johnny Sicignana, Jimmy Sicignana, Al Sicignana, Phil Abramson
21560 Brooklyn (left to right) Raymond LaPrelle, Lloyd Vittory,
William LaPrelle, Albert LaPrelle (Guitar)
21573 Club Harmony, Bronx (left to right) Joe Spielman,
Walter Morris, Dick Dewhurst, Bill Ruddy
21573 St. Mary's Horseshoers, Bronx (left to right)
Frank Maier, Leo Lecomte, Fred Moynihan, Frank Miller
21581 Bay Shore Home Downers, Manhattan (left to right)
Fred Timinella, Marty Kletcka, Anthony Catalanotto, Gordon Taylor
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Monday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 June 15, 1942
The Park Department announces a series of concerts with
dancing in the various parks throughout the city. This series will be given
by the Consolidated Edison Company and the public will be admitted without
charge.
The series will be inaugurated Tuesday, June 16, at the
Mall in Central Park by Raymond Scott and his orchestra. The last concert
will be held September 7. Large open dance areas will be surrounded by
bleachers for those who aim to hear the music and watch the
dancing. Following is the schedule for June:
June 19 - Mitchell Ayres, Colonial Park, 153 Street & Bradhurst
Avenue, Manhattan
June 22 - Cab Calloway, Prospect Park, H Street & Prospect
Park West, Brooklyn
June 25 - Mitchell Ayres, The Mall, Central Park, Manhattan
June 26 - Lou Breese, Prospect Park, 11 Street & Prospect
Park West, Brooklyn
Starting June 30 these concerts and dances will be run
five nights a week from 8:30 to 10:30 P.M. in various parks throughout the
city. Two nights per week the program will be broadcast by Station WNYC. In
each case provision will be made for dancers and spectators. Before the
season is over the public will have an opportunity to hear such bands as
Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Cab Calloway, Clyde Lucas, Ray Kinney, Jimmy
Dorsey, Charlie Spivak, Claude Thornhill and others.
Following is a list of the parks where these events will
take place during the summer:
In Manhattan: Central, Colonial, East River, Hudson, Chelsea and Highbridge
In Brooklyn: Prospect, McCarren, City, Bushwick, Leiv Eriksson,
Betsy Head, Lincoln Terrace and Avenue P playground
In Queens: Woodside, Forest and Jackson Heights
In the Bronx: St. Mary's, Crotona, Mullaly and Williamsbridge
Playground and the playground at Watson, Gleason
and Noble Avenues
The final schedule of dates for these locations will be
announced.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 June 12, 1942
The Eastern Lawn Tennis Association in oooperation with the
Department of Parks will present a clinic on tennis at Mullaly Park,
East 164 Street and Jerome Avenue, Bronx, on Sunday, June 14, at 10 a.m.
Eleanor Tennant is a nationally known tennis coach who
coached Alice Marble, Gene Marko and Wembly Van Horn from California public
parks players to national and international titles. "Teach" as she is known
to racquet wielders from coast to coast, has been conducting similar clinics
throughout the country for the past couple of years, assisted by nationally
known stars.
The clinic will consist of a match between Frank Shields, a
ranking American tennis star and Ladislaw Hecht, former member of the
Czechoslovakian Davis Cup Squad. At the completion of the match, Shields and
Hecht will pair off with two local placers for a doubles match.
Miss Tennant will call for volunteers from her audience and
analyze their game. There will be no admission charge and room for over 500
spectators has been provided.
This Friday evening "Sports for New Yorkers" your park
program on WNYC from 6 to 6:30 p.m., will have as their guests Miss Tennant,
Alice Marble, Frank Shields, Ladislaw Hecht and Dave Eisenberg, sports
writer for the Journal American, in a around table discussion on "Tennis for
All".
*** *** ***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Saturday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 June 6, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that after the evening
session on Sunday, June 7, at the New York City Building, Flushing Meadow
Park, Queens, the roller skating rink will be closed for the summer season.
Since the combined ice and roller skating rinks were opened on
September 14, 1941, 300,000 people have availed themselves of these
facilities. During the free periods each Saturday moming, 35,000 children
attended the sessions.
The roller rink will re-open early in September and the ice
rink in October.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 June 5, 1942
BL 98-106 Location plan for all 3 playgrounds
BL 98-105
#21433
The Department of Parks announces the completion and opening to the
public on June 5 of three new playgrounds in Brooklyn. At 2nd Avenue from
55 Street to 56 Street, the Triborough Bridge Authority, in connection wih
the Gowanus Parkway development, acquired the property in order to provide
more adequate and modern neighborhood recreational facilities. Several
three and four story residences were demolished to make room for the new
addition which extends to 55 Street.
The new play area of about one acre contains the following equipment
grouped in fence enclosed subdivisions: combination wading pool and volley
ball court, brick comfort station, irrigated sand pit, kindergarten slides,
swings and seesaws, slides and pipe frame exercise unit, combination
basketball and volley ball court, roller skating area and handball courts.
The improvement also includes a flagpole, drainage, irrigation, park
lighting, benches and tree planting.
BL 166-731
#21497
At Shore Parkway, East 12 Street, William Court and Homecrost
Avenue, the new two acre playground was acquired by condomnation for
recreational purposes in the proceedings for the acquisition of the Belt
Parkway right-of-way. A considerable amount of side-slope fill and 350
lineal feet of retaining wall at the southwest corner of the plot was
required for the bridge approach and to permit pedestrian connections
between the playground marginal walks and the parkway path system.
The playground consists of three main sections with subdivisions
bordered by chain link fence, block-surfaced panels, benches and trees. The
north section, approximately 200 feet square contains: a brick comfort
station, a concrete wading pool, kindergarten apparatus, an irrigated sand
pit, apparatus for older children, and four concrete surfaced handball
courts.
The central, asphalt surfaced section contains a bastefball court
with removable goal posts to permit roller and ice skating. The area has been
graded to a low central point to facilitate flooding and drainage.
The south section, extending to the parkway, is also asphalt surfaced
and is laid out as a softball diamond.
EL 157-105
#21529
21530
At Avenue S from East 16 to East 17 Streets, an unused portion of
Water Supply, Gas and Electricity property, was acquired by transfer in 1937
for recreation purposes. Here the area has been developed entirely for
children and provided with a comfort station, wading pool, sand pit,
kindergarten play apparatus, swings and slides; for older children; volley
ball courts and a roller skating rink.
Because 218 temporary playground directors, 185 assistant gardeners
and 90 temporary attendants who are normally hired every year to handle
additional summer usage of playgrounds, parks and beaches have not been
provided for in the budget these areas will be opened only from 10 A.M. .to
7:00 P.M. The personnel to man these areas will be drawn from Prospect Park
Parade Grounds, Owl's Head Park, Lincoln Terrace Park Playground, Kelly
Memorial Field Playground, Dyker Beach Playground and the playground at
Avenue L and East 18 Street, thereby causing a curtailment of the operating
hours of these older playgrounds. They will now operate from 8 A.M. to 8
P.M.
The work was performed by the Work Projects Administration from
plans prepared by the Department of Parks. In 1934 there were 119
playgrounds in the five borfcughs, 65 of which have been reconstructed.
There are now with these three additions 471 playgrounds in the park system.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Thursday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 June 4, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the birth of a baby seal in the
Central Park Zoo and a bison calf in the Prospect Park Zoo. Both were born
on June 3rd.
The pup seal, weighing ten pounds, is the offspring of Barker,
the father, now deceased, and Flappy, the mother of four other additions to
the Zoo since 1938.
The bison calf weighing forty-five pounds is the daughter of the
father, Nickel, and the mother, Nicolette, both of which were born in the
Central Park Zoo. This is the first bison calf to be brought into the world
in the Prospect Park Zoo.
* * * *
Press photographs may be taken at any time.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Thursday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 June 4, 1942
City tennis facilities available to members of the
Army, Navy and Marine Corps in uniform
Special arrangements have been made by the New York City
Park Department for the use of public tennis courts by soldiers, sailors and
marines in uniform free of charge from Monday until Friday inclusive except
on holidays.
Tennis courts are located at:
Manhattan;
Central Park-93rd Street and West Drive
East River Park-Rivington Street, Stanton & East River Drive
63rd Street and York Avenue
Harlem Housing Playground-150th Street & Seventh Avenue
Randall's Island-last of Triborough Stadium
Ft. Washington Park, West 172nd Street & Riverside Drive
Riverside Park, West 161st Street & Riverside Drive
Inwood Hill Park-207th Street & Seaman Avenue
Brooklyn:
Coney Island-Neptune Avenue & West S5th Street
Fort Green-DeKalb Avenue & Washington Park
Gravesend-56th Street & 18th Avenue
Kelly Memorial-Avenue S & East 14th Street
Liev Eiriksson-66th Street & 7th Avenue
Lincoln Terrace-Sastern Parkway & Buffalo Avenue
McCarren-Lorimer Street & Driggs Avenue
McKinley-75th Street & 7th Avenue
Marine Park-Fillmore Avenue & Marine Parkway
Prospect Park-Prospect Park West & 9th Street
Red Hook-Columbia & Halleck Streets
Sunset-5th Avenue & 43rd Street
Bronx:
Bronx Park-Brady Avenue & Bronx Park East
Crotona Park-East 173rd Street & Crotona Avenue
Mullaly Park-East 164th Street & Jerome Avenue
Pelham Bay Park-Rice Stadium
St. James Park-East 193rd Street & Jerome Avenue
St. Mary's Park-East 146th Street & Trinity Avenue
Van Cortlandt Park East-233rd Street & Jerome Avenue
Van Cortlandt Park-242nd Street & Broadway
Williamsbridge Oval-Bainbridge Avenue & 208th Street
Queens:
Alley Pond-Grand Central Parkway, Winchester Boulevard
Astoria Park-25th Avenue & 21st Avenue, Astoria
Baisley Park-155th Street & 118th Avenue
Brookville-Brookville Boulevard & South Conduit Highway, Rosedale
Crocheron-East of 215th Place & South of 33rd Avenue, Bayside
Cunningham-Union Turnpike, North of 193rd Street, Jamaica
Flushing Memorial-150th Street & Bayside Avenue, Flushing
Forest Park-Park lane South & 89th Street, Woodhaven
Highland-Jamaica Avenue & Cleveland Street, Ridgewood
Howard Beach-Nolan & Thetford Avenues
Kissena-Rose Street & Oak Avenue, Flushing
Liberty Park-172nd Street & Liberty Avenue, Jamaica
Wayanda-Hollis Avenue & Springfield Boulevard, Hollis
Equity Playground-89th Avenue & 90th Street, Woodhaven
Richmond:
Walker Park-Bard Avenue, Delafield Place, Davis Avenue
Silver Lake-Hart Boulevard, Silver Lake Park
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Wednesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 June 3, 1942
The super-heated group around Flushing Meadow Park needn't worry about
the demolition of the Japanese Building. The Park Department announced long
ago that this was scheduled. Salvageable material from the interior was
taken out during the winter. The interior will be torn down as soon as the
necessary men and equipment are available. Birch wood from the paneling has
already been used in repairing many Of the slides and other pieces of
playground equipment throughout the city. Plumbing, electrical and
ventilating equipment have been salvaged and much of it is in use at various
places throughout the city. The thin brass trimming below the eaves was
salvaged during the winter and turned over with other scrap to the
Department of Purchase. It has undoubtedly been sold by this time. What
socalled local civic workers call "a monument to a treacherous enemy" is a
hollow shell.
The Department has just one crane which must do all our work in all
five boroughs. During the spring it has been in use salvaging top soil for
the restoration of lawn areas and other planting and dig- ging clay for
tennis courts and playgrounds throughout the city. As soon as this can be
spared and the necessary Park Department men can be released from the rush
of spring work, the shell of the Japanese building will be demolished and
remaining salvageable material will be put to good use in the department, or
turned over to the Department of Purchase.
For many years before last December 7, the Japanese consistently
purchased scrap metal from the United States and made use of much of our
waste material. We have taken a leaf out of their book.
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CITY OF NEW YORK
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK
FOR RELEASE TUESDAY,
JUNE 2, 1942
May 28, 1942
Mr. R. G. Geist
Secretary, College Cycle Club
260 West 260th Street
New York City
Dear Sir:
I have your letter of May 25, suggesting various arrangements
for the accommodation of bicyclists on parkways, both on Long Island and in
the City.
As you have probably read in the local papers, arrangements have
been made for bicyclists to travel over the causeways from Merrick Road to
Jones Beach.
As to the side paths, both on long Island and within the City
limits, where pedestrians' use is light, bicycling will be permitted and
signs will be placed to indicate where this arrrangement is in force.
We cannot agree to permit bicycling on the boardwalk at Jones
Beach on week-end mornings during the summer. Bicycling on the boardwalks
at Rockaway and Coney Island is certain hours in the wintertime because
these are the only places where, under normal conditions, local bicyclists
can ride with safety. There would be no point in opening up the boardwalk at
Jones Beach for bicycling when, to reach it, the bicyclists would have to
ride at least five and a half miles. We believe that a person riding a
bicycle to Jones Beach is using the bicycle first as a means of
transportation, and that when he gets to Jones Beach he is interested in
some other form of activity for recreation.
As to the Bronx River Parkway, we cannot agree to open any
portion of it to bicycling at any time. It is narrow, winding, and traffic
has not yet dropped to the point where bicycling would be safe.
As to Pelham Parkway, the service roads have always
been available to bicyclists, and bicyclists have always been
permitted to continue on Eastern Boulevard and the roads in
Felham Bay Park to both City Island and Orchard Beach. At
Orchard Beach we have maintained parking racks for bicyclists
for several years.
We recognize that as the use of automobiles becomes less and
less, due to the effects of rationing and deterioration, the use of bicycles
will probably increase in proportion. As the preponderance of use changes
from one to the other, regulations governing the use of parkways and related
facilities will of necessity have to be adjusted to meet the demand.
Very truly yours,
/s/ ROBERT MOSES
Commissioner
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COPY
COLLEGE CYCLE CLUB
260 WEST 260TH STREET
NEW YORK CITY
May 23rd, 1942
Park Commissioner Robert Moses
The Arsenal
Central Park
New York
Dear Commissioner:
Now that the Sunday auto traffic has greatly
decreased on the parkways would it be possible to change the highway
regulations and permit bicycles to use at least one parkway in each borough
on Sundays for exercise?
You have provided Brooklyn and Queens with
adequate bicycle paths but Manhattan and the Bronx have practically nothing
in the way of a long path. Manhattan has the mile path in Central Park. The
Bronx riders have been deprived of the aqueduct path due to war conditions.
May I therefore suggest that:
1. All side paths on Long Island and New York City parkways be opened
to cyclists at all times
2. The Jones Beach Causeway be opened to cyclists
3. That cycling be permitted on the boardwalk at Jones Beach each
Saturday and Sunday until noon
4. Bronx River parkway be opened to cyclists, at least one lane on
each side
5. Pelham Parkway to City Island be opened to cyclists.
May I please hear from you,
Very truly yours,
/ s / R. C.
Secretary
P.S. Many of the highways in and around New York were built with funds
contributed by the old League of American Wheelmen back in 1890.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Saturday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 May 30, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the Park Department
puppeteers will give a series of open air puppet and marionette shows
including "Peter and the Pirates" and "Jack and the Beanstalk", (daily except
Sunday), during the month of June to July 4th r inclusive, in various Park
playgrounds throughout the five boroughs from a trailer stage especially
constructed in the department's work shop.
The first showing will be made beginning Monday, June 1st, at
Jay Hood Wright Playground, 175 Street and Port Washington Avenue, Manhattan,
at 11:00 a.m. and 3"30 p.m.
"Peter and the Pirates" consists of three acts lasting for
approximately 45 minutes, while "Jack and the Beanstalk"' consists of three
acts and lasts about 50 minutes. Both shows will be given at each of the
morning and afternoon performances.
The shows will continue to be presented at the various boroughs
according to the attached schedule:
Manhattan - June 1 to 6 inclusive
Bronx - June 8 to 13 "
Brooklyn - June 15 to 20 "
Queens - June 22 to 27 "
Richmond - June 29 to July 4 inclusive
For the past three months recreation personnel, charged with
the responsibility of putting on the shows, have .been attending regular
rehearsals, where they practiced the various speaking-'parts peculiar to the
characters of both plays. Besides voice cultivation, they have developed the
faculty of timely and skillful manipulation of the suspended figures.
Preliminary to all these dramatic preparations, this group had
the added burden of revising the original fairy tale texts, suitable only for
reading, so as to make them adaptable to a puppet theatre, as well as acting
in the capacity of craftsmen by carving, molding, painting and costuming the
various figures to a likeness becoming its particular part in the drama.
The trailer stage, is 11 feet 10 inches high, 8 feet 6 inches
wide, and 14 feet 4 inches long. It is equipped with electrical wires,
lighting fixtures, amplifiers, colored scenery, storage room and an overhead
horizontal platform for the puppeteers. Every contrivance, necessary for a
first class puppet and marionette theatre has been provided for.
On the exterior of the stage, characters and objects, familiar to
every reader of Grimm's Fairy Tales, are painted in variegated colors.
Lengthwise, on the face of one side, and to the right, the design portrays the
Ginger Bread House, and Hansel and Gretel in a woodland scene; and to the
left, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Humpty-Dumpty; on the reverse side, Snow
White, Little Bo Peep, and Little Red Riding Hood. On the front panel, there
is depicted a performing seal and clown; while the rear panel contains a
representation of the Three Bears and the Grandmother's House of Little Red
Riding Hood.
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CITY OF NEW YORK
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
SCHEDULE OF TRAILED MARIONETTE THEATRE
June 1942
"PETER AND THE PIRATES" & "JACK AND THE BEAN STALK"
MANHATTAN
Monday June 1 Jay Hood Wright Playground 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
175 St. & Ft. Washington Ave.
Tuesday June 2 Kelly Playground 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
17 Street near 8 Avenue
Wednesday June 3 Riverside, 148 Street Park 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m
Thursday June 4 Mt. Morris East, 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m
120 Street & Madison Avoxme
Friday June 5 Heckscher Playground 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
65 Street & Central Park
Saturday June 6 Columbus Park 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Baxter & Worth Streets
BRONX
Monday June 8 Watson,Gleason & Noble Avenues 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Playground
Tuesday June 9 Waterbury, Edison, Bradford & 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
LaSalle Aves4 Playground
Wednesday June 10 St. Maryrs East Playground 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m
146 Street & Trinity Ave
Thursday June 11 Crotona Park, Playground # 9 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m
Crotona Park So. & Clinton Ave.
Friday June 12 Van Cortlandt Stadium 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m
240 Street & Broadway
Saturday June 13 Claremont Park North Playground 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m
Teller & Mt. Eden Avenues
BROOKLYN
Monday June 15 Red Hook Playground 3:30 p.m.
Clinton, Bay & Henry Streets
Tuesday June 16 McCarren Playground 3:30 p.m.
Driggs &, Lorimer Avenues
Wednesday June 17 Bushwick Playground 3:30 p.m.
Putnam 8c Knickerbocker Aves.
Thursday June 18 New Lots Playground 3:30 p.m.
Riverdale Avenue & Sackman Street
Friday June 19 Kelly Memorial Playground 3:30 p.m.
Avenue S & East 14 Street
Saturday June 20 Sunset Playground, 6 Ave. & 44 St, 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
QUEENS
Monday June 22 Maurice Playground, Maurice, 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Borden & 54 Aves., Maspeth
Tuesday June 23 Playground at Broadway & 73 St., 3:30 p.m.
Jackson Heights
Wednesday June 24 Crocheron Park 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
35 Ave. & 214 Place
Thursday June 25 Forest Park Music Grove 3:30 p.m.
Main Drive & Woodhaven Blvd.
Friday June 26 Liberty Park Playground 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
173 Street & Liberty Ave.
Saturday June 27 Cunningham Park, Grand Central 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Pkwy., 193 St., Hollis
RICHMOND
Monday June 29 Levy Playground, Port Richmond 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday June 30 Westerleigh Park, Willard & 3:30 p.m.
Main Avenues, Westerleigh
Wednesday July l Lincoln Avenue Playground, 3:30 p.m.
Midland Beach
Thursday July 2 Clove Lakes Park, Victory Blvd. & 3:30 p.m.
Clove Road, West Brighton
Friday July 3 Silver Lake Softball Field 3:30 p.m.
New Brighton
Saturday July 4 Schmul Playground, Wilde Avenue 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Travis
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 May 29, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the opening of the seventeen
outdoor swimming pools on Memorial Day, May 30, 1942, at 10 A.M. The pools
are located as follows:
Manhattan: Hamilton Fish Pool -East Houston and Pitt Streets
Colonial Pool -Bradhurst Ave., West 145 to 14? Streets
Highbridge Pool -Amsterdam Avenue and 173 Street
Thomas Jefferson Pool -111 to 114 Streets and First Avenue
23rd Street Pool -23 Street and East River Drive
Carmine Street Pool -Clarkson Street and Seventh Avenue
60th Street Pool -60 St. between Amsterdam Ave. & 11 Avenue
John Jay Pool -78 Street and East River Drive
Brooklyn: Sunset Pool -7 Avenue and 43 Street
McCarren Pool -Driggs Avenue and Lorimer Street
Red Hook Pool -Clinton, Bay and Henry Streets
Betsy Head Pool -Hopkinson, Dumont and Livonia
Bronx: Crotona Pool -173 Street and Fulton Avenue
Queens: Astoria Pool -19 Street and 23 Avenue
Flushing Meadow -Flushing Meadow Park
Amphitheatre
Richmond Faber Pool -Richmond Terrace at Faber Street
Tompkinsville Pool -Victory Boulevard between Bay Street
and Murray Eulbert Avenue
From May 30 to June 19 the pools will be open for week-ends
only and from June 20 until the end of the season they will be open daily with
the following operating schedule: On week days and Saturdays from 10 A.M. to
12:30 P.M. there will be a free period for children under 14 years of age,
during which hours no adults will be admitted to the pool area. After 1
P.M. on week days and all day Sundays and holidays there will be a 9$ charge
for children under 12 years of age and a 25£ charge for older children and
adults.
Groups in swimming, diving, contests and water shows will be
organized at all pools. Classes in life saving and first aid will also be
included in the Aquatic Program in addition to the yearly "Learn to Swim"
campaign which will start on June 20.
Orchard Beach, Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx, Jacob Riis Park
Beach and Rockaway Beach in the Rockaway Peninsular, Queens, Coney Island
Beach, Brooklyn, and South«Beach and Wolfe's Pond Park in Staten Island
will also open for bathers on Memorial Day, May 30. Bathhouse accommodations
are available at Jacob Riis Park and Orchard Beach.
At Orchard Beach there is a total of 7796 lockers for
bathhouse patrons and parking space is provided for 6,000 cars. At Jacob Riis
Park the bathhouse accommodates 10,000 people and the parking space 14,000
cars. Parking at both beaches will be 25¢ per car, bathhouse fees 15¢
for children's lockers and 25¢ for adult lockers. Dressing rooms are
available at Jacob Riis Park for a fee of 50¢ per person. Recreational
areas at Jacob Riis Park and Orchard Beach providing shuffle board, paddle
tennis and handball are available to the public. The charge for the use of
these facilities will be 10¢ per person, per half hour.
Besides these games areas at Jacob Riis Park there is also an
eighteen hole pitch and putt golf course. A charge of 50¢ is made for each
round of golf, which includes clubs. A 50¢ deposit is required on golf
balls. In addition to these games areas, a special schedule of events is
planned for Jacob Riis Park; there will be calisthenics on the beach each day
at 2 P.M.; each Wednesday, beginning July 1, will be Children's Day; races,
contests and games will be staged in the outfield of the softball area. These
special activities are free and patrons of the beach are invited to join in
the fun. Similar activities have been scheduled for Orchard Beach.
Beginning Monday, June 15, at Jacob Riis Park, there will be
twilight softball games every week day except Saturday, the games starting at
6:30. On Saturdays and Sundays a single game will be played starting at 2:30
P.M. Two leagues have been formed and spectators are sure of fast, interesting
softball. Bleachers have been provided for 1,000 persons.
Beach chairs and umbrellas may be rented at Orchard Beach and
Jacob Riis Park at a nominal charge and beach shops are provided where bathing
accessories can be purchased.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 May 29, 1942
The Park Department announces that the first Naumburg Concert of the
season will be held on the Mall, Central Park, on Saturday, May 30, at 8:15
P. M.
The orchestra will be under the direction of Max Rudolf. The
soloist, a soprano, will be Cleonice Montvare, who will sing an aria from II
Trovatore, "Tacea la notte" and a Strauss Waltz "Roses from the South".
This concert series is contributed by Mr. Walter W. Naumburg and
Mr. George W. Naumburg in memory of their father, Elkan Naumburg, who donated
the bandstand on the Mall in Central Park.
The Naumburg Concerts for the season are Memorial Day, May 30;
Independence Day, July 4; July 31 and Labor Day, September 7.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 May 29, 1942
Plans: ML 45-108 Delivered 5/28/42
45-109 4:30 P.M.
Pix: 21532
The Department of Parks announces that on Friday, May 29, at
4 P.M, the new diving pool at the John Jay Swimming Pool at 78 Street and the
East River Drive, Manhattan, will be officially opened.
The Hon. Irving Y. A. Huie, Work Projects Administrator for
the City of New York and the Hon. Fiorello H. LaGuardia, Mayor of the City of
New York will speak. The Hon. Robert Moses, Commissioner of Parks, will act
as chairman. Following the speeches there will be an aquatic show.
John Jay Park, one of the older City parks, located between
East 76 and East 78 Streets, adjacent to and overlooking the East River Drive,
has been entirely reconstructed.
The new diving pool was built adjacent to the swimming pool,
thus relieving some of the congestion which has existed in this small pool.
The concession building has been relocated and a completely equipped
playground replaces the previous inadequate facilities. The southerly half
of the area has been paved but will continue as an open area for court games.
A portion of Cherokee Place has been closed so that the existing old bath
building now located at the northwest corner of Cherokee Place and 76 Street
is tied into John Jay Park. Alteration plans have been completed for this
structure providing a recreation room, gymnasium and auditorium but delivery
of materials held up because of priorities has delayed completion of the work.
Numerous benches have been installed under existing shade
trees and additional trees have been planted. Concrete bleachers have been
provided around the pool.
The work was performed by the Work Projects Administration
from plans prepared by the Department of Parks. In 1934 there were 119
playgrounds in the five boroughs, 65 of which have been reconstructed. There
are now 468 playgrounds in the park system.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Wednesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 May 27, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the first Novice Boxing
Championships, under the auspices of the Park Department, will take place at
the Triborough Stadium, Randall's Island, Manhattan, on Thursday, May 28, at 8
P.M. Admission is free.
These championships were originally scheduled for Friday, May 22, but
were postponed because of rain.
All the boxers, who will take part in the bouts next Thursday
evening, are novices. They have trained at Park Department boxing centers,
under the supervision of park personnel, and have survived the eliminations of
a city-wide tournament, just completed.
The standard weight classifications will be contested, ranging from
featherweight to heavyweight. Competitors have been further classified into
two age groups: Junior (16 to 18 years); Senior (18 years and over).
Judges are Henry Young, Metropolitan Ass'n, A.A.U., and Fred Delaney,
Flushing Y.M.C.A. Prizes have been donated by Bernard Gimbel. A point trophy,
donated by Edward F. Wagner, will be awarded to the boxing center whose
representatives score the greatest number of points.
The National Anthem will be sung by Roberta Keene Hunt, of America's
Good Will Union, and the Color Guard will be provided by the Boy Scouts of
America. Music will be rendered by the Park Department Band.
The names of the competitors, together with the Park Department
centers they will represent, follow:
JUNIOR DIVISION
112 lb. class
Dominick Miceli, Crotona Play Center,- Bronx
William Richardson, Colonial Play Center - Manhattan
118 lb. class
Salvatore Giordano, Crotona Play Center - Bronx
Gerald DeRosa, Cromwell Play Center - Richmond
126 lb. class
Leo Milito, West 28 Street Gymnasium - Manhattan
John Peden, McCarren Play Center - Brooklyn
155 lb, class
Abraham Hirsch, Crotona Play Center - Bronx
Cyril Dixon, Cromwell Play Center - Richmond
147 lb. class
Richard Fuxjazas, Astoria Play Center - Queens
William Hampton, Colonial Play Center - Manhattan
160 lb. class
Buddy Sorensen, Crotona Play Center - Bronx
Roy Spangler, Cromwell Play Center - Richmond
175 lb. class
Erick Schauer, East 54 Street Gymnasium - Manhattan
Jerry Logan, Crotona Play Center - Bronx
SENIOR DIVISION
118 lb. class
Thomas McG-uinness, Crotona Play Center - Bronx
Hayward Chisholm, Colonial Play Center - Manhattan
126 lb. class
Arnold Gee, Cromwell Play Center - Richmond
Percy Hampton, Colonial Play Center - Manhattan
155 lb. class
Leo Matalon, Crotona Play Center - Bronx
Anthony Conenno, Thomas Jefferson Play Center - Manhattan
147 lb. class
John Farina, Cromwell Play Center - Richmond
Sam Brown, West 28 Street Gymnasium - Manhattan
160 lb. class
Donald Braithwaite, Colonial Play Center - Manhattan
Vincent Lacopola, Astoria Play Center - Queens
175 lb. class
James McGuire, East 54 Street Gymnasium - Manhattan
Vincent Miller, McCarren Play Center - Brooklyn
Heavyweight Class
Joseph Byrnes, East 54 Street Gymnasium - Manhattan
Cavaignac Augustin, Colonial Play Center - Manhattan
Randall's Island can be reached by the pedestrian walk across the
Triborough Bridge or by Bus.
From Manhattan: Bus at 125 Street and Lexington Avenue - fare 5¢
From Bronx: Bus terminal at 134 Street and Cypress Avenue - fare 5¢
From Queens: Bus terminal at 31 Street and Astoria Blvd. - fare 10¢
Parking is free on Randall's Island. There are accommodations for
5,000 cars.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Monday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 May 25, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the completion of work in
connection with the reconstruction of the 6½ acre playground at Gravesend
Park located west of 18 Avenue, between 55 and 56 Streets, Brooklyn. This
will be opened from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
The old play facilities which were located in four fence enclosed
units had become worn and unserviceable. The apparatus area divided into two
sections contained a central brick comfort station and typical pieces of
apparatus which were widely spaced around the border of a gravel surfaced
combination free play area and basketball court. Two handball courts with
ancient wooden backstops and a gravel surfaced baseball field without
backstops were located in the adjacent central area. The south end of the
field was provided with eight poorly surfaced clay tennis courts.
The new development permits greater utilization of space by
segregation of smaller compact use areas equipped with increased facilities.
A central tree shaded bench lined mall extends from the main park
gate to the existing comfort station which has been given a new setting of
block paving, trees and a flagpolgji On both sides of the mall two main fence
enclosed sections, approximately 1 acre each, are subdivided into various use
ar/eas. Alternate benches and trees are spaced in a five foot block paved
border extending along the inside of the fence enclosure.
The following items are contained in these units:
Combination roller and ice skating rink
& shuffleboard &nd 2 handball courts
Wading pool with sanitary foot bath
Play swings
1 pipe frame exercise unit
2 Play slides
Horizontal ladder, horizontal bars and parallel bars
Combination irrigated aand pit and sitting area
8 kindergarten seesaws
2 kindergarten slides
Kindergarten swings
Two Softball diamonds with hooded backstops have been provided
in an adjacent two acre asphalt surfaced enclosure with entrances from the
comfort station plaza. The tennis courts remain within the same enclosure but
have been resurfaced.
The work was performed by the Work Projects Administration from
plans prepared by the Department of Parks. In 1934 there were 119 playgrounds
in the five boroughs, 64 of which have been reconstructed. There are now 468
playgrounds in the park system.
*** *** ***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 May 22, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the first Novice
Boxing., Championships, under the auspice of the Park Department, will take
place at the Triborough Stadium, Randall's Island, Manhattan, on Friday, May
22, at 8:30,P.M. In the event of rain, they will be held on the following
night, Saturday, May 23, at the same time and place. Admission is free.
All the boxers, who will take part in these championships, are
novices. They have trained at Park Department boxing centers, under the
supervision of park personnel, and have survived the eliminations of a
city-side tournament, just completed. ·
The standard weight classifications will be contested, ranging
from the featherweight to the heavyweight division. Competitors have been
further classified into two age groups: Junior (16 to 18 years); Senior (18
years and over).
Judges for these championships include: John J. Deignan,
Metropolitan Association, A.A.U., Fred Delaney, Flushing Y. M.C.A., Stephen
Byrne, Trinity Club.
Prizes have been donated through the courtesy of Bernard
Gimbel. A point trophy, donated by Edward F. Wagner, will be awarded to the
boxing center whose representatives acquire the greatest number of points.
The National Anthem will be sung by Roberta Keene Hunt, of
America's Good Will Union, and the color guard will be provided by the Boy
Scduts of America.
Music will be rendered by the Park Department Band.
Randall's Island can be reached by tho pedestrian walk across
the Triborough Bridge or by Bus.
From Manhattan; Bus. at 125 St, and Lexington Ave. -.fare 5¢
From Bronx: Bus terminal at 134 St. and. Cypress Ave, - fare 5¢
From Queensj'Bus terminal at 31 St, an,d Astoria Blvd.. - fare 10¢
Parking is free on Randall's Island. There are accomodations for
5,000 cars.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Thursday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 May 21, 1942
19536
21519 Plans: ML 81-183 Delivered 5/81/48
21521 ML 81-853 at 6 P.M.
21522
21523
21524
The Department of Parks announces the completion of work in
connection with the reconstruction of Oracle House and its immediate
surroundings in Carl Schurz Park, Manhattan, as the official permanent
residence of the Mayor of the City of New York and his successors.
For some time the present administration had been in
doubt as to the proper permanent use of this historic residence. In 1923 the
newly incorporated Museum of the City of New York was granted the use of the
building for the purpose of displaying exhibits presenting the chronological
history of New York City life. The house was repaired in 1927 and fitted with
furniture and accessories typical of New York interiors from 1800 to 1860. In
1934 the reorganized Department of Parks, as part of its program of the
construction and restoration of monuments, memorials and historic buildings,
carefully restored the Grade House based on painstaking research. Until
recently i t has been operated as a small post-Colonial museum furnished with
pieces loaned to the City either by individuals or by the larger institutions.
Rugs and draperies were never made available. Visitors were few and no
justification was apparent for wasting thinly spread funds in an unsuccessful
competition with the finer exhibits in other large City museums.
The present Mayor and the Board of Estimate agreed that the
best use of the property would be as a permanent residence for the Mayors of
New York City. The Park Department directed the preparation of the plans for
the conversion of the house and the adjacent park grounds. The work was
started early in February of this year by the Work Projects Administration
using materials purchased by the City.
The old building, erected in 1770, is a two-story frame
building with a piazza around three sides in the style of New York's early
Dutch settlers. Although it has been essential in the restoration to make
some concessions to the needs of modern living, very little was done to
disturb the existing floor plans. Great care was taken to preserve the simple
charm and dignity of the structure. Containing nine rooms and two generous
sized foyers on the two floors with accommodations for servants in the
basement, the building, exclusive of the porches, is about 50 feet by 65
feet. Exterior building work consisted of minor repairs and complete
repainting.
Very little change was made to the first floor except
to modernize the pantry. The entrance hall, library and dining room were
repainted and the floors scraped and stained. The living room, to the right
of the entrance hall has been similarly treated.
The custodian quarters on the north end of the second
floor were removed to permit the restoration of two larger bed rooms. The
master bedroom with four windows overlooks the park and river to the east and
north. This room and the adjoining converted sitting room which centers on the
east facade are the only two rooms with wall paper. Three smaller bedrooms,
one of which will be reserved for guests, occupy the other building corners
thus providing cross ventilation and wider views. These rooms, painted in
colonial blue and white with stained floors, each have baths and closet space.
A central hall reached by a winding staircase provides direct connections to
all rooms.
A considerable amount of wood trim and doors were
installed to match the original. All of the woodwork and floors were
repainted. The heating plant and electric system which were provided in 1934
required little change. Where the building construction permitted, hidden
convectors were installed. In many of the rooms free standing radiators have
been retained. New electric outlets have been added for radio and utility
purposes.
The entire first floor, except the service portion,
and the guest bedroom have been provided with furniture and art pieces of the
Colonial, Revolutionary and early .19th Centtncy periods. These items are
permanent loans from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of the City of
New York, the Brooklyn Museum and private donors. All the items have been
thoroughly repaired and the furniture coverings newly reproduced. The private
quarters of the house on the second floor were furnished by the Mayor.
In furnishing the main rooms of the house, an attempt
has been made to bring together furniture and decorations to suit the severely
designed back ground of the neo-classic period. In these high ceiled rooms
where the architectural enrichment is concentrated at the fireplaces,
cornices, and architraves, the furniture made after the designs of
Hepplewhite, Sheraton, and other interpreters of the Adam style finds an
appropriate and logical setting.
Upon entering the house a broad reception hall opens before
the visitor by reason of the unusual plan wherein a graceful spiral staircase
rises against the far wall. At the left of the entrance is a fireplace framed
by a mantel carved with fans and reeding in the typical Now York style.
Opposite is a satinwood commode and pair of armchairs of the Louis XVI period.
This kind of furniture was typical of the finer houses of the new republic; it
may be recalled that Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson brought back from
France furnishings for their use in New York and Philadelphia, and Alexander
Hamilton ordered furniture closely following French models for his house, the
Hamilton Grange, overlooking the Hudson. On the walls flanking the entrance
stand a pier table and a pair of shield-back chairs of mahogany and satinwood,
American interpretations of Hepplewhite designs. Reflected in the convex
mirror above the commode is a portrait of De Witt Clinton, three times Mayor
of New York City; the likeness is believed to be a contemporary one by Samuel
L. Waldo. At a bend in the staircase landing a handsome grandfather clock,
its mahogany case elaborately inlaid with holly and satinwood, strikes the
hours. Upon the floor, as in the other principal rooms of the house, is a
Turkey carpet, the name given to the variety of Oriental rugs which were
brought from the Near East for early American houses in the eighteenth
century.
In the living room at the right the same spirit is evident in
the style of furnishing as in the entrance hall. Grouped around tho white
marble mantel of the fireplace are a mahogany and caned settee from the
workshop of Duncan Phyfe, and several Hepplewhite oval and shield-back
armchairs, upholstered in figured haircloth similar to the original
upholstery. The trimming of brass nails also repeats the old style. Between
the east windows which give long vistas of the river stands a light mahogany
writing desk with tambour doors and delicate framing of inlay.. Two carved
drop-leaf pedestal tables, probably from the workshop of Duncan Phyfe stand
against a pair of modem upholstered sofas, and several easy chairs carry out
the rose, yellow and gray colors which are used on the upholstery and window
hangings in the room. A variety of small tables -- Pembroke, tripod, and
"lazy Susan" types, of mahogany and kingwood, are put to various uses
here.. To the right of the entrance door hangs a portrait of John Alsop King
who was born in New York in 1787. The portrait is a copy after John Trumbull
and shows the subject as a young boy. On the west wall is a series of
aquatints in green and gray tones representing views of the Hudson Valley
selected from The Hudson River Portfolio, engraved by I, Hill after paintings
by W. G. Wall. Opposite the fireplace, a convex mirror framed with carved and
gilt wood is lighted by four candle branches hooded by simple purple glass
shades. In this glass are reflected a pair of modern crystal chandeliers
which light the room.
Among the smaller ornaments here are a French bronze of
Washington on a gilt pedestal, and a collection of blue and white
Staffordshire pottery with American scenes, Chinese export porcelain, such as
was imported for early American houses, and several pieces of French porcelain
in the classical taste arranged on the glazed shelves of a wall cabinet. A
pair of silver candlesticks and several old Chinese and Persian oil jars
provide the bases for lamps.
In the dining room the cool, oyster-white walls are an excellent
foil for the portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Munro and their daughter Olivia
Roe Munro which were painted in New York about 1825 by an unknown artist. The
furniture is of fine mahogany. In the middle of the room is a double pedestal
table and twelve chairs in the style of Duncan Phyfe. The chairs were made
for the City Hall about 1815 and are still owned by the City of New
York. Above a serving table slightly earlier than the chairs hangs a looking
glass framed in green and gold in the neo-olassic style, and on the wall
facing the fireplace a mahogany and satinwood sideboard of Hepplewhite design
supports two oval satinwood knife boxes decorated with painted festoons and
flowers. In the middle of the room above the table hangs a finely chiseled
bronze chandelier, a copy of an original Louis XVI example in the Wallace
Collection in London. Framing the hearth is a pierced and serpentine-shaped
copper fender, brightly polished as metal work customarily was in early
American days. A small French bronze bust of Lafayette centers on the mantel
with a portrait of William Dyckman above.
Adjoining the dining room is the library. Three mahogany
bookcases contain several hundred volumes dealing mainly with New York
history, permanently loaned by the New York Public Library. A flat-topped
desk, which was probably made by Charles Christian for the City Hall in 1814,
is the most important piece of furniture, A pair of chairs with leather seats
are of the same period as the desk and a large upholstered sofa and several
easy chairs covered in leather make the room an inviting place for study and
relaxation. Here, as in the living room, the fireplace is furnished with a
brass fronted fire grate. Upon the walls may be seen several lithographs in
color - among them "Panorama of the Harbor of New York, Staten Island and The
Narrows," "The Life of a fireman, The Night Alarm" by N. Currier, and, a map
of the State of New York which was printed in 1826.
Ascending the graceful spiral staircase the visitor commands a
full view of the park and the river from the windows of the guest room at the
southeast corner. This well-lighted chamber, in addition to the comfortable
beds and ample clothes press, contains a handsome mahogany bow-front chest of
drawers with colorful Battersea enamel drawer pulls, and a pair of Louis XVI
armchairs made comfortable by rose and white silk upholstery of classical
design. A looking glass with a carved and gilded frame of the Federal period
hangs above the chest of drawers.
Hudson Valley aquatints, part of the living room series, afford
interest to the south and east walls. The fireplace is furnished with a bright
polished brass fender and andirons, and upon the mantel above them stand a
pair of pewter whale oil lamps adapted to modern usage.
Many of the important pieces of furniture were selected because
they were in the style of 1799 when, it is believed, Archibald Grade largely
reconstructed the original house. Standing on a rocky point of land at a bend
in the East River about 40 feet above the water, the site permits a fine view
northeastward over the river to Hell Gate. The property had many owners from
early Dutch times through the eventful days of the Revolution and the War of
1812. Gracie, a wealthy New York merchant, Scottish born, was famed for his
hospitality and formal receptions. Many famous Americans including literary
men of distinction, as well as distinguished visitors from abroad, were
entertained by Gracie.
The property was later sold by the Gracie family and passed
through several ownerships when in 1891 the City condemned it for park
purposes. Consisting of twelve and a half acres, it was first called East
River Park but was later renamed Carl Schurz Park for the German Revolutionary
and close friend of Abraham Lincoln.
The park was developed in the informal manner of the times with
winding paths bordering many tree dotted lawns. Providing passive recreation
only the park remained essentially a sitting area until 1934 when a complete
plan for a modern recreational development was prepared and the work started
in conjunction with the restoration of the Gracie House. New bench lined
walks and promenades divided the park into various use areas for both active
and passive recreation. A large playground, wading pool and comfort station
were provided for the children who formerly played in the adjoining streets.
No further alterations were made until 1939 when more than half
of the park was redesigned and reconstructed in connection with the new East
River Drive which forms its eastern boundary. An attractive feature was a
broad esplanade atop the drive now called John Finlay Walk. An adult court
games area was placed adjacent to the playground, sand pit and sitting areas
provided in offsets from the promenade and the adjoining informal areas tied
in with the new development by an integrated path system.
The area around the Museum was regraded to permit a depressed
treatment of the East River Drive thus preserving a proper setting and
maintaining views to and from the Mansion.
The new development of the grounds around the Mayor's House was
planned for utmost simplicity and economy and in harmony with the building and
dignified surroundings of the entire park. The vehicular entrance to the
north of the house utilized an existing gateway and drive leading from East
End Avenue at 88th Street. Entrance to the new turn-around on the north side
of the house is protected by a double gateway and police booth. The drive and
walks were adapted to existing conditions and the development required the
removal of only a few sections of walk and the moving of two trees. New plant
material consisting of broadleaf evergreens and the taller growing deciduous
shrubs and small flowering trees, were added, to screen the drive and
turn-around, to supplement the existing foundation planting and to provide a
reasonable degree of seclusion for the Mayor. A 6 foot iron picket fence set
adjacent to the broadly oval circumferential public walk supplements a
retaining wall skirting the east lawn. to discourage undue annoyance to the
residents of the Mayor's House.
The public comfort station formerly located in the basement of
the Museum was removed. A modern brick comfort station is approaching
completion, a few hundred feet to the south of the house near the west
marginal park walk. A portion of the basement of the house will be used by
park maintenance personnel who will also continue to maintain the grounds of
the Mayor's residence.
*** *** ***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Monday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 May 18, 1942
Delivered Sat, 5/16/42
Pix:
19557
Mc801
Mc802
City swimming facilities available to members of the
Army, Navy and Marine Corps in uniform
Special arrangements have been made by the Oity Park
Department for the use of public beaches and pools by soldiers, sailors and
marines in uniform during the coming summer.
At Jacob Riis Park at Rockaway, Orchard Beach in the Bronx,
and Wolfe's Pond on Staten Island, Army, Navy and Marine Corps vehicles will
be parked free and soldiers, sailors and marines may use the bathhouse without
charge.
At the City swimming pools listed below the usual twenty-five
cent charge will be waived.
Manhattan:
Hamilton Fish Pool, East Houston and Pitt Streets
Colonial Pool, Bradhurst Avenue West 145 to 147 Streets
Highbridge Pool, Amsterdam Avenue and 173 Street
Thos. Jefferson Pool, 111 to 114 Streets & First Avenue
23rd Street Pool, 23 Street and East River Drive
Carmine Street Pool, Clarkson Street and 7 Avenue
60th Street Pool, 59 Street between Amsterdam & 11 Avenuos
John Jay Pool, 78 Street and East River Drive
Brooklyn:
Sunset Pool, 7 Avonue and 43 Stroet
McCarren Pool, Driggs Avenue and Lorimor Stroet
Red Hook Pool, Clinton, Bay and Honry Streets
Betsy Head Pool, Hopkinson, Dumont and Livonia Avenues
Bronx:
Crotona Pool, 173 Street and Fulton Avenue
Queens:
Astoria Pool, 19 Street and 23 Drive
Flushing Meadow Amphitheatre, Flushing Meadow Park
Richmond:
Faber Pool, Richmond Terrace at Faber Street
Tompkinsville Pool, Victory Boulevard between Bay Street
and Murray Hulbert Avenue
Pools are open to adults after 1:00 P.M. on weekdays and
Saturdays and all day on Sundays and holidays.
Robert Moses
Commissioner
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Monday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 May 18, 1942
Pix:
#21443
#21444
#21445
#21446
#1447
#21448
#21449
The Department of Parks announces the completion of a
granite and bronze memorial to former City Comptroller W. Arthur Cunningham
who died in 1934, at the age of 40, of a heart attack. Remembered as an able
and successful business executive, and for conspicuous service in the first
World War, his untimely death ended ·what promised to be a notable career
in public service.
The monument stands adjacent to the Cunningham Memorial
Flagpole which was erected and dedicated on the occasion of changing the name
of old Hillside Park to Cunningham Park in 1934, This 550 acre country park is
located on the Grand Central Parkway in central Queens, the borough where the
young lawyer lived and was buried.
The setting for the bronze bust executed by Emil Siebern
was designed by the Department of Parks. Slightly over life size the
forcefully modeled bust stands on a square monolithic shaft of
polished-granite placed in front of a larger simple rectangular pylon of
polished granite blocks. Centered pn the axis between the granite concession
building and flagpole the monument has been built into the north retaining
wall of the flagstone terrace facing northward into the semi-circular memorial
flagpole area. The intimate scale and planting of this garden which overlooks
the broad athletic field in the north meadow forms an appropriate setting.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Sunday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 May 10, 1942
The Park Department announces that after the evening session at the
City Building, Flushing Meadow Park, on Sunday, May 10, 1942, ice skating will
be discontinued and only the roller skating rink will be in operation.
Patronage of the ice skating rink has decreased rapidly during the
past three weeks, and with the recent warm weather, interest in this sport has
become so low that the attendance no ilonger justifies its continued
operation. The ice skating rink will be re-opened early in the fall.
The roller skating rink at the City Building will continue to operate
evening sessions from 7:30 to 11:00 P.M. every day; free morning session from
9:00 A.M. to 12 noon on Saturday; afternoon sessions from 2:30 to 5S30 P.M. on
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays only.
* * * *
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William H. Latham May 7, 1942
Richard C. Jenkins
Coney Island - Fishing
Earlier announcements stated that fishing was permitted twenty-hour hours a
day year round from the fishing bay on Steeplechase Pier, Coney Island.
Because or diaout ragulations, lights on the pier have been turned off for
the duration and we have deemed it advisable to close the pier at
darkness. Fishing will be permitted from the pier during daylight hours only.
Surf casting has previously town permitted in bays adjacent tha pier on a
twenty four hour basis during the winter months and from 10:00 P.M. to 8:00
A.M. during the summer months. It is now advisable to prohibit any surf
easting for the summer months and to prohibit night-time casting for the
duration.
R. C. JENKINS
Borough Directory
RCJ:MG
cc: J.W. Heaslip, Jr.
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FOR RELEASE - TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1942
ANOTHER SECTION OF GOWANUS IMPROVEMENT COMPLETED
The Triborough Bridge Authority announces the opening for traffic
of the section of the Gowanus Elevated Parkway along Hamilton Avenue from
Prospect Avenue to Hicks Street, on Wednesday, May 6, 194.2. The Gowanus
Improvement from Owl's Head Park to Prospect Avenue was completed last
November. Other parts of the work have been delayed because of difficulties
in obtaining materials due to priority rules.
The new section extends from the present terminus at Prospect
Avenue to the proposed entrance to the Battery Tunnel at Hicks Street. The
tunnel will not be completed until after the war, and, in the meantime, the
Gowanus Improvement will be made accessible by the widening of Hicks Street to
Atlantic Avenue now under way.
In order to eliminate the delays due to bridge openings, the
Elevated Parkway was constructed at a high level over Gowanus Canal to provide
a clearance of ninety feet above the water. The elevated roadways accommodate
three lanes of cars in each direction, divided by a center mall, and are
limited to passenger vehicles. Commercial traffic will shortly be taken care
of by the nearly-completed lift bridge over the Gowanus Creek and fifty-foot
roadways on Hamilton Avenue on either side of the Elevated Parkway. Buses
have been substituted for trolley cars on Hamilton and Third Avenues with the
cooperation of the Board of Transportation.
The parkway previously opened on November 1, 1941, together with
this new section, completes the Belt Parkway from the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge,
in Queens, to Hicks Street and the future Battery Tunnel.
The Gowanus Improvement was built by Triborough Bridge Authority at
a cost of approximately $15,000,000 for land and construction. The lift
bridge at Hamilton Avenue is being built by The City of New York under the
direction of the Department of Parks. There remains only a comparatively small
amount of construction, which is progressing rapidly, on the lift bridge and
its approaches, on Third Avenue, and on landscaping, to finish the entire
Gowanus Improvement. The Elevated Parkway will then be turned over to the
Department of Parks, street roadways to the Borough President of Brooklyn, and
the Gowanus lift bridge to the Department of Public Works.
*********
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Monday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 May 4, 1942
The records of the Department of Parks indicate a steady
increase in the use of golf courses since 1936, The following are the
comparative figures for the period ending May 2nd for the last seven years.
1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942
Rounds of golf
for the week 10,224 12,003 19,367 12,790 22,218 22,371 20,026
Total rounds
of golf 18,340 23,049 37,085 34,676 46,639 59,881 64,241
through May 2
This increase of more than 300$ can be accounted for in
several ways: First, increase in the number of. courses; second, improvement
of condition of the courses; third, reduction in the fee; and, fourth,
generally increased interest in the game. This year with the rationing of
tires and gasoline the city anticipates an even greater increase in the use of
these courses as we get into the summer season.
* * *
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FOR RELEASE:
Wednesday, April 29, 1942
The Long Island State Park Commission, Jones Beach State Parkway
Authority, New York City Park Department, and the Triborough Bridge Authority
have for some time, been working with the military, naval, and civilian
defense agencies in the metropolitan district on the summer use of state and
city public beaches. Various steps have already been taken to comply with
orders and requests as to lighting, blackouts, etc.
It has now become necessary to give the public a clear picture of
summer beach usage, especially as to closing and restrictions after dark. The
attached releases by the City Park Department and Long Island State Park
Commission should be readily understandable.
In effect, it will be seen that Jones Beach will, for all practical
purposes, be shut down at nightfall although the causeways must still be
open. Parking fields, restaurants, the boardwalks and other recreation
facilities will have to be closed at 9:00 p. m.
The effect is the same at Jacob Riis Park. The Rockaway boardwalk
must, of course, continue to be open but cafeteria and other facilities will
close.
This applies also to the boardwalk at South Beach, Staten Island.
Wolfe's Pond Park, Staten Island, will be closed at 9:00 p. m.
At Orchard Beach in the Bronx, the game areas will be closed at
nightfall. Lighting will be drastically restricted, but the beach will be
open until 10:00 p.m.
(Signed) ROBERT MOSES
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LONG ISLAND STATE PARK COMMISSION
BELMONT LAKE STATE PARK
BABYLON, L. I., N. Y.
For Additional information, call C. R. Blakelock
at (day) Babylon 1000 or (night) Babylon 1178.
FOR RELEASE
Wednesday, April 29, 1942
This summer, in order to cooperate fully with the Army and Navy,
Jones Beach State Park will be operated only from 8:00 a. m, to 9:00 p. m.,
with no night activities.
The Jones Beach swimming season will start on Saturday, May 23rd,
when the West Bathhouse with heated salt water swimming and diving pools, will
be opened. On the same date, the Marine Dining Room in the West Bathhouse
will be opened for daily daytime operation.
On Sunday afternoon, starting May 24th, and on Decoration Day, free
pool shows will be presented at 3:00 p. m. in the West Bathhouse pool. The
East Bathhouse, which serves the still water bathing at Zachs Bay in addition
to the ocean surf bathing in front of the bathhouse, will open for the season
on Decoration Day, May 30th. A special program of spring concerts by Long
Island high school bands will be presented in the Music Shell adjacent to the
boardwalk on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, starting May 16th and ending June
21st.
The outdoor roller skating rink and various game facilities,
including the pitch and putt golf course, are now in operation.
Because of the elimination of night activities, there will be no
outdoor dancing at the Music Shell and no water shows at the Marine Stadium on
Zachs Bay. Softball games which in the past have been held nightly under
floodlights, will be played afternoons and early evenings.
***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Wednesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 April 29, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that in order to cooperate
fully with the Army and Navy, the following schedule of summer operation will
be effective at public beaches:
1. CONEY ISLAND, BROOKLYN
The game areas and concession stands under the jurisdiction
of the Park Department will be closed at nine o'clock so that no lights will
be necessary for their operation. Arrangements have been made with the
Department of Water Supply, Gas and Electricity to turn out many of the lights
along the boardwalk and to shield the balance of the lights by painting the
outshore portion of the globe so that the light will not be visible from the
ocean.
2. JACOB RIIS PARK, QUEENS
The entire park will be closed at nine o'clock. This will
include concessions, game areas, and parking fields, and will eliminate the
necessity for lights.
3. ROCKAWAY BEACH, QUEENS
The game areas will be closed at nine o'clock. The
Department of Water. Supply, Gas and Electricity is turning out every other
light along the boardwalk and is dimming the balance of the lights on the
outshore side so that they will not be visible from the ocean.
4. SOUTH BEACH, RICHMOND
In cooperation with the Department of Water Supply, Gas and
Electricity, every other light has been extinguished and the outshore side of
the remaining have been painted so that, they will not be visible from the
ocean.
5. WIFE'S POND PARK, RICHMOND
This park will close at nine o'clock.
6. ORCHARD BEACH, BRONX
Game areas will be closed at nine o'clock. The use of
floodlights will be eliminated. All lights will be obscured on the outshore
side. Otherwise, operation will continue as usual until ten o'clock.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Monday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 April 27, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the birth in the Central Park
Zoo of a Llama calf on April 23, 1942.
The new arrival, weighing 25 pounds, is the son of Racket and
Blackie. Racket, the father, was born in the Central Park Zoo, August 5, 1934,
and the mother was procured from L. Ruhe in July 1938.
The baby is on exhibition at the present time and photographs for
press purposes may be taken immediately.
* * * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Monday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 April 27, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the preliminaries and
quarter-finals of the Park Department City-wide boxing tournament will be held
at the gymnasium located at 407 West 28 Street, Manhattan, on Monday,
Wednesday and Friday, April 27, 29, and May 1 at 8:00 P.M. Admission is free.
This tournament i s open only to those novices who have
received their training under the supervision of Park personnel at the various
boxing centers operated by the Park Department throughout the five boroughs.
Competitors will be classified into two groups: 16 to 18 years,
and over 18 years on the following weight basis: 112 lbs., 118 lbs.,
126 lbs., 135 lbs., 147 lbs., 160 lbs., 175 lbs.
The semi-finals will be held at Cromwell Play Center, Murray
Hulbert Avenue, Tompkinsville, Richmond, on Wednesday, May 6, at 8:00 P.M.,
with the City championships scheduled to take place at the Triborough Stadium,
Randall's Island, Manhattan, at 8:00 P.M., on Friday, May 22.
Appropriate prizes will be awarded to the winners and
semifinalists in each weight division.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 April 24, 1942
Bids were opened today by the Department of Parks at the Arsenal
Building, Central Park on three contracts relating to the general park
development of additional sections of Flushing Meadow Park, Borough of
Queens. The areas to be developed are adjacent to Horace Harding Boulevard on
both sides of the Grand Central Parkway.
The work to be done comprises a portion of the revised four
year program started in 1941 for reconstructing the former World's Fair site
as a well rounded park and recreational development. The current work is part
of the 1942 Capital Program designed to provide additional marginal active
recreation areas and improvements around the permanent buildings. Playground
development will take precedence over the less urgently needed passive
recreation areas which will be built later to complete and unify the park.
Existing facilities used during the Fair which will be
removed in prepation for the new work include: a comfort station, information
booth, pump house, a temporary portion of Horace Harding bridge over Flushing
Creek, flagpole and drinking fountain bases and miscellaneous service
poles. This demolition work will be a part of the contract which provides for
the general reconstruction of the area between the New York State Amphitheatre
and Flushing Creek. Also included are a new parking field, walks, drives,
bicycle paths, fences, grading, water supply and drainage.
A concession storage room will be built adjacent to the
Amphitheatre food bar. A control station for under-water flood lights will
also be provided in this building.
The second contract provides for the general planting of the
same area. The existing plants, comprising a portion of the trees and shrubs
donated by the various exhibitors, will be transplanted in conformance with
the new development. This basic planting will be supplemented by new
flowering shrubs and small trees, perennials and vines. Lawn areas will be
started to complete the Amphitheatre section.
The promenades, malls and walks around the completed play
areas west of Grand Central Parkway and opposite the New York City Building
will be provided with park lighting under a third contract. The existing
system of underground ducts will be utilized and secondary feeders will be
installed using cable salvaged from the Fair. No new material or equipment
will be required for this work.
It is expected that three additional contracts for the
further development of Flushing Meadow Park will be let this year as provided
in the Capital Program. These will provide for picnic areas south of Horace
Harding Boulevard and east of Meadow Lake, also affording access to the boat
house on the east bank. New playgrounds will be developed along the east
margin of the park between Fowler Avenue and Horace Harding Boulevard and the
existing playground east of 111th Street opposite the New York City Building
will be expanded to include a large athletic field. The work to be done under
these contracts involves no strategic material.
The three lowest bids were submitted by the following on each
of the three contracts:
Contract No. 1 - General Park Development:
1. John Meehan & Son $117,174.29
90 West St., New York City
2. Frank Mascali & Sons, Inc. 118,438.40
4634 Third Ave., Bronx, N.Y.
3. Wm. P. McDonald Construction Co. Inc. 128,451.80
33-15 Lawrence Street, Flushing, N.Y.
Contract No. 2 - Planting:
1. Roman Landscape Contracting Co., Inc. $ 19,946.10
551 Fifth Ave., New York City
2. Grant Park Construction Co. 22,261.55
65 Prospect Ave., Hewlett, N.Y.
3. John Gozo 24,770.70
171-08 84th Road, Jamaica, N.Y.
Contract No. 3 - Electrical:
1. Rao Electrical Equipment Co., Inc. $1,700.00
150 East 42 Street, N.Y.C.
2. Elco Installation, Inc. 1,730.00
345 East 23 Street, N.Y.C.
3. Welsback Street Lighting Co. 2,780.00
42-30 24 Street, Long Island City, N.Y.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 April 24, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the birth in the Central Park Zoo
of a male baby Aoudad on April 21, 1942, at 6 P. M.
The new arrival, weighing four pounds, is the son of Bill and Tuts.
The father was purchased from the Masker Zoo, Evansville, Indiana, August 28,
1940, and the mother, Tuts, was donated by the New York Zoological Society
April 28, 1930.
Although the baby is not on exhibition at the present time,
photographs for press purposes may be taken immediately.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 April 24, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that "Pet Shows" will be
conducted by playground children, in commemoration of "Be Kind To Animals"
week, on Saturday, April 25, at 2:00 p.m. at the following locations:
Manhattan Kelly Playground, lest 17 Street & 8 Avenue
Riverside Playground at West 74 Street
Mt. Morris lest Playground, W. 122 Street & Nathan Davis Place
Payson Avenue Playground
Bronx Mullaly Playground, 164 Street & Jerome Avenue
Williamsbridge Playground, 208 Street & Bainbridge Avenue
St. Mary's West Playground, 146 Street & St. Ann's Avenue
Crotona #5, Crotona East & 173 Street
Brooklyn Hecksher Playground, Srove & Wilson Avenue
Kelly Memorial Playground, Avenue S & East-14 Street
McCarren Park, Drirgs Avenue & Lorimer Street
James J, Byrne Playground, Third Street & Fourth Avenue
Lincoln Terrace Playground, Rochester & Buffalo Avenues
Ocean Parkway & Avenue P Playground
Prospect Park West & 11 Street
The classifications of the pets, which are to form the basis
of the judges' decisions, are many and diversified. Some of them are as
followss the largest and smallest dog and cat; the dog or cat with the most
beautiful coat; the cutest litter of puppies; the largest family of rabbits;
the largest or most beautiful bird or fowl; best displayed fish; the most
unusual pet.
In addition, the attire and behavior of the pet will be
considered under such headings as the most comically dressed pet; the best
behaved pet on parade, etc.
Ribbons will be awarded for first, second and third place in
each classification. In addition, a bronze medal, the special
A.S.P.C.A. award, will be given for the "Best Cared For Animal in the Show."
*** **** ***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Thursday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 April 23, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the schedule of tournaments,
contests, athletic meets and special events including concerts, social and
square dancing, which will be conducted in parksj playgrounds, and swimming
pools under the jurisdiction of the Park Department during the spring season
of 1942.
There will be city-wide tournaments in the following activities:
Activity Age Group Finals - Approximate Date
Basketball Boys - 16 years and under May 3
Boxing Junior - 16 to 18 years May 22
Senior - 18 years and over
Marble Shooting Boys and Girls - 14 years and under Local tournaments in
May and June
Handball (Singles Boys - 16 years and under
& Doubles) 17 to 21 years June 6 and 7
Men - 21 to 40 years
40 years and older
Handball (Singles) Girls - 16 years and older June 20
Held Hockey Girls - 16 years and older Local tournaments in
May and June
Horseshoe Pitching Men and Boys - 17 years and older June and July
(Singles)
Athletic meets, during the months of May and June, Will be held
in the various borough playgrounds for boys and girls between the ages of 12
and 19 years; the city-wide championships will take place at the Red Hook
Athletic Field, Clinton, Bay and Henry Streets, Brooklyn, on Saturday, June
20, at 2:00 P.M.
The annual Park Department "Learn to Swim" campaign, in
cooperation with various civic, health, educational and recreational agencies,
will be inaugurated in all outdoor swimming pools operated by the department
on or about June 20.
Some of the wading pools will be used during the spring of the
year for the sailing of model boats.
Amateur boxing was added to the department's program of
recreational activities last December when eight centers were equipped with
rings, mats, heavy and light punching bags, gloves, skipping ropes,
etc. Several hundred boys and young men, from 14 to 32 years of age, have been
regular attendants at these boxing centers for the past four months. A series
of exhibitions has just been completed, at which the outstanding boxers at
each center gave demonstrations in the finer points of the art of self
defense. Beginning Monday, April 27, the preliminaries of a city-wide boxing
tournament for both juniors and seniors in the various weight classifications
will get under way, with the championships scheduled for May 22 at a location
to be announced later.
Model sailboat regattas will be conducted for boys and girls, 16
years of age and under on Saturday, June 6, at the following lakes:
Manhattan - Conservatory Lake, 72 Street & Fifth Avenue, Central Park
Brooklyn - Prospect Park Lake, Umpire Boulevard and Flatbush Avenue
Queens - Linden Park Lake, 104 Street and 45 Avenue
Bronx - Twin Lakes, Bronx Park, Mosholu Parkway & Webster Avenue
Richmond - Martling's Pond, Clove Lakes, Victory Blvd. & Clove Road
Children's Pet Shows will take place at designated Park playgrounds
on Saturday, April 25, Ribbons will be awarded to the best animals in each
class.
A dance exhibition will be given by the girls of various playgrounds
throughout the five·boroughs on Saturday, June 27, at the Sheep Meadow,
Central Park. Each borough will be represented by three dances - folk,
classical and interpretative.
Special programs will be prepared by each playground director in
commemoration of Memorial Day, May 30, and also Flag Day, June 14.
Amateur photography contest depicting "Youth and Age" in our city
parks and playgrounds will be conducted for both children and adults beginning
April 27 and running through September 21, 1942. All pictures submitted by the
contestants must represent scenes in parks, parkways, pools, beaches or
playgrounds under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks during the year
1942.
Entrants in this contest will be divided into age groups; up to 16
years and over 16 years. All pictures must "be submitted, during the contest
period, to the Borough Director of the borough in which the contestant
resides.
Various rules and regulations regarding Park Department tournaments
and contests are:
Only competitors who are amateurs shall be eligible to compete in
any of the recreational activities, tournaments and contests conducted by the
Department of Parks.
The winning of a city championship in any contest or tournament will
be determined only after intra-playground, inter-playground and interborough
eliminations.
Prizes will consist of medals, pins and sweatshirts.
While latitude has been given to all age groups in this recreational
program from the standpoint of active participation in sports and contests,
the Department of Parks, realizing that there are thousands of citizens, young
and old, who desire periods of passive recreation, has made arrangements for
series of concerts throughout the summer.
The outdoor social dancing season of the Park Department will
probably start early in June.
Puppet and marionette shows including "Jack and the Beanstalk",
Hansel and Gretel", "The Lonely Elm" and "Peter and the Pirates", and magic
shows comprising hand puppetry, singing and music, have been given every
Saturday at 11 A.M. and 3 P.M. since April 4 at various park recreation
buildings, and they will continue to be given every Saturday at the same time
through May 16, when the outdoor schedule will commence.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Monday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 April 20, 1942
Nine of the city's ten golf courses have been opened since April
4. At the Split Rook Course in Felham the fairways have dried out and the
course was opened for play last Saturday, April 18. During the first two
weeks, 22,152 rounds have been played on courses opened on April 4.
Considering the changeable weather, this is a good, indication
that a large number of plavers can be expected to use the municipal courses
this summer.
Below is a summary of the total number of rounds played on the
courses the first two weeks of this year:
Van Cortlandt - 2082
Mosholu - 2673
Pelham - 2741
Clearview - 2834
Kissena - 2905
Forest Park - 2260
Dyker Beach - 4120
Silver Lake - 1426
LaTourette - 1061.
*** *** ***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 April 17, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the five best One Act Plays,
one from each borough, will "be presented on Saturday, April 18, at 2:00 P.M.
at Mullaly Recreation Building, 165 Street and Jerome Avenue, Bronx.
Approximately 825 children, ranging from 10 to 16 years of age,
took part in 80 productions of the various drama groups in the Park Department
playgrounds during tlie past fire weeks.
On the basis of acting, diction, costumes and scenery, the
following five plays were selected as the most representative for presentation
next Saturday afternoon:
"Remember Pearl Harbor" - Lincoln Terrace Playground, Brooklyn
"The Modern Cinderella" - McDonald Playground, Staten Island
"A Chinese Puzzle" - Corona, 102 Street Playground, Queens
"Toby Helps Out" - Lyons Square Playground, Bronx
"Benjamin Franklin, - Riverside and 74 Street Playground,
Journeyman" Manhattan
Pins will be awarded to the cast of each play.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 April 17, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that 168 baseball diamonds
and 240 softball fields throughout the five boroughs will be officially opened
for play on Saturday, April 18,
While there is no charge for the use of these recreation areas,
permits are required and they may be obtained by applying to the Borough
Director of the borough in which the field is located. Each applicant must
enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope with his request. ·
The names and addresses of the various Borough Directors
follow:
Mr. P. J. Cruise, Borough Director
Arsenal Building
64 Street & Fifth Avenue
New York City
Mr. R. C. Jenkins, Borough Director
Litchfield Mansion
Prospect Park West & Fifth Street
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mr. J. J. Mallen, Borough Director
The Overlook
Union Turnpike & Park Lane
Forest Park, Kew Gardens, L. I.
Mr. G. L. Quigley, Borough Director
Bronx Park East & Birchall Avenue
Bronx, N. Y.
Mr. A. M. Anderson, Borough Director
Clove Lakes Park
1150 Clove Road
West New Brighton, S. I.
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#21413
#21414
#21415 MEMORANDUM
#21416 TO THE BOARD OP ESTIMATE April 16, 1942
ON REDUCTIONS
IN THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET FOR THE
PARK DEPARTMENT
The 1942-43 Executive Budget fails to provide $1,115,622.51 needed
for operation and maintenance of 38 new and 12 reconstructed playgrounds, 968
acres of new parks, and 10 miles of new parkway. It reduces the total summer
operating personnel of the department by 981, which is about 15% of the staff
last summer. This reduction will result in a serious curtailment of the
city's recreation program, and in extensive damage and heavy depreciation in
the city's parks and playgrounds. Following are some of the things which must
happen if this proposed budget is approved.
Temporary Playground Directors who are hired every year to handle
the additional summer usage of playgrounds will be decreased from 436 to 218.
This means that 12 new playgrounds cannot be operated at all, and must be kept
closed, and that 206 playgrounds will be open only six to eight hours per day.
In effect, this puts the city's recreational system back to where it was in
1937, and throws into discard much of the progress made in playground
development during the past eight years. In 1937 there were 8,109 juvenile
accidents in the cityj in 1941 there were 6,000 such accidents. As the result
of closing these playgrounds we can expect an increase of 2,000 juvenile
accidents during the forthcoming yeari because children for whom we have
provided safe facilities will have to play in the streets and other dangerous,
uncontrolled areas. From the attached map and list of playgrounds it can be
seen that this condition will be felt throughout most of the city.
Attendants assigned to Coney Island, Rockaway and South Beaches will
be reduced from 547 to 355. Each hot day during the summer, 1,850 cubic yards
of refuse and garbage are deposited on · these beaches. Our experience has
shown that the beaches cannot be kept clean with fewer men than those provided
last summer. This was demonstrated a few years ago when the assignment of
this personnel was delayed, and conditions on the beaches became intolerable.
With this reduction in personnel, 700 cubic yards of refuse and garbage will
be left on the beaches every day to decay and putrefy. Each succeeding warm
day will add its quota to this hotbed for the propagation of infectious germs.
The 10 temporary Foremen hired only for the summer months, normally
assigned to the beaches, have been completely eliminated, which means that the
355 Attendants still left in the budget will have no supervision. Without
supervision reasonable efficiency cannot be expected of these men. This will
aggravate even further, the unsanitary condition of the beaches.
The 14 temporary Auto Enginemen hired other summers, have been
completely eliminated, which means that tractors and other automotive
equipment on the beaches must be operated by inexperiencenced, incompetent
help. The rate of accidents to the vehicles and to the public will be
increased, deterioration of vehicles will be greatly accelerated, and these
vehicles after they are worn out cannot be replaced,, even if funds are then
made available.
In order to reduce the cost to the taxpayers of operating park
facilities, I recommended in 1936 that a charge be placed on the use of
swimming pools and other facilities. I asked that the income be placed in a
separate fund, to be used only for the cost of operating these facilities. We
were advised at that time that this could not be done without legislation and
that all revenue had to be deposited in the General Fund As a compromise, the
budgets for the last six years have shown the cost of operating these
facilities as a charge against the Tax Levy budget. Last year it amounted to
approximately $900,000. The Income derived from the operation was deposited
in the General Fund and the anticipated receipts in the General Fund were
increased accordingly. This year, in order to make the Tax Levy portion of
the budget appear lower, this charge was entirely eliminated, and I understand
that by a new kind of bookkeeping, the receipts are to be set up in a special
account and the operating cost paid in this way.
The operation of 11 Indoor swimming pool, bath and gymnasium
buildings in Manhattan and Brooklyn will be reduced to one shift of eight
hours per day, six days a week, by dropping 44 Attendants, 9 Licensed Firemen,
and 2 Stationary Engineers now employed, and by reducing the time of 24
Licensed Firemen and 9 Stationery Engineers one day a week. During the second
shift last year these buildings were used by 622,000 individuals. This will
also deprive 185,000 school children of their regular swimming instruction
arranged in cooperation with the Board of Education. The heating and other
mechanical installations in these buildings are complicated, expensive pieces
of machinery, which require constant care by qualified mechanics. By throwing
out 9 Licensed Firemen and 2 Stationary Engineers and reducing the time of
those remaining, the maintenance of this equipment cannot be kept up, and the
city will be faced with repair bills out of all proportion to the slight
saving gained by this so-called economy.
Temporary Assistant Gardeners usually hired for the summer season for
the care of lawns, shrubbery, and general maintenance work, have-been reduced
by 185. This reduction means that no maintenance work can be done in a great
many of the smaller parks and in 1500 landscaped street malls and triangles
throughout the city. This includes such developments as the plots in the
center of Broadway above 59th Street in Manhattan, the landscaping of Major
Deegan Boulevard in The Bronx, the malls on Linden Boulevard and Kings
Highway, Brooklyn, the malls on Queens.Boulevard in Queens, and the malls on
Drumgoole Boulevard in Richmond. The landscaping of the Hutchinson River
Parkway Extension in The Bronx, and recently completed sections of Belt
Parkway in Brooklyn, which cost 4250,000, cannot be touched. The lawns and
shrubbery will grow up to weeds, and the slopes will be eroded to such an
extent that they will have to be reconstructed at some later date.
There will be no men available for the elimination of
ragweed, poison ivy, and other-noxious plants throughout the park
system. It was difficult to keep up with this work last year; it
will be impossible this year.
The dropping of these 185 temporary positions, from the budget is
estimated to save $201,452. The elimination of these 185 Assistant Gardeners
from the summer maintenance force in the parks will result in damage to park
lawns and landscaping which it will cost at least that amount to repair or
reconstruct; and this is called economy.
The elimination of 90 temporary Attendants normally assigned to
public comfort stations throughout the city means that a corresponding number
of such stations all over the city will be operated on one eight hour shift
instead of two shifts. As a result, many of the persons who normally would
use these facilities will commit nuisances at the doorways and in the parks.
The ensuing condition will be a health menace and a public nuisance which the
reduced force will not be able to remedy.
The department's request for a Foreman of Bridge Painters and 12
Bridge Painters was entirely disregarded. As has been pointed out to the
budget authorities, during the past eight years the department has put into
use bridges, viaducts and other steel structures, with a total paint surface
of 5,494,000 sq. ft. This amounts in other terms to 126 acres, or
approximately 50 city blocks. These structures must be painted periodically
to preserve them and to save abnormal maintenance and repair costs. They cost
millions of dollars to construct; and unless the older ones are repainted
immediately, repairs will be far in excess of the cost of maintenance.
This general reduction of park personnel, coupled with additional
duties of the Police Department, which have reduced normal police assignments
to parks, must result inevitably in increased vandalism, unsanitary
conditions, assaults, violence and inability to assure the safety of the
public. The recent crime wave in the northerly reaches of Central Park is
still in force, as evidenced by the assault and brutal beating and robbing of
a 60 year old man in broad daylight only a few days ago. At the time of this
occurrence the policeman responsible for the section of the park where the
assault took place, had to cover 80 acres, the equivalent of 32 city blocks,
and park employees were also attempting to cover impossible areas.
The Executive Budget proposes also to eliminate 177 vacant positions
in various titles. Failure to refill these positions, end the 140 vacancies
caused by men called to the armed services, has already resulted in
substantial damage to numerous park structures and developments because the
remaining force was unable to make repairs when needed. This condition will
become progressively more serious as time goes on. It is significant that
even under the stress of the present emergency, materials for maintenance and
repair of existing structures are invariably exempted from procurement
regulations established by the War Production Board and other Federal
agencies. It is unfortunate that the city budget authorities are so
short-sighted as to neglect the maintenance of the city's capital investment.
The proposed Executive Budget fails to recognize the additional
burdens to be borne by the park forces because of the war emergency. A number
of anti-aircraft and searchlight units are already housed within the park
system and more are due. This usage places many additional responsibilities
on us. In addition, all of our field men have been designated as Air Raid
Wardens or as members of the Public Works Emergency Division. All of the
department's equipment has been organized for service under the Public Works
Emergency Division for demolition, cleanup, and decontamination. Organization
and training of these forces in first-aid and other duties has already taken
thousands of man days out of the annual spring work program. It must be
evident to the most casual observer that the parkways and parks are not kept
clean of litter at all times, and that many standards of department, operation
have already had to be lowered, and will now decline even more sharply. This
condition of litter, shabbiness and neglect in the parks will be the subject
of increasing public criticism.
There are already indications that the use of our parks will be
abnormally heavy this summer. Many people who were in the habit of finding
recreation in the country will be kept at home because of the shortage of
rubber and gasoline, war responsibilities and curtailed incomes. Thousands of
people whose salaries are static will not be able to afford to send their
families and children to beaches and camps this summer, and must get what
recreation they can within city limits.
With the present inadequate force the deterioration of parks from
this overload-would, be extremely heavy. With forces reduced as proposed in
the 1942-43 Executive Budget, many parks will revert to conditions as bad or
worse than those which obtained eight years ago. It cost the people hundreds
of millions of dollars of Federal, State and City funds to bring their park
system up to its present condition during the past eight yesrs, and the
prospect is that a substantial portion of this investment will be completely
lost in the coming fiscal year.
(Robert Moses signature)
C o m m i s s i o n e r
Attach:
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PLAYGROUNDS NOT TO BE OPENED
BROOKLYN
Playground Belt Parkway and 72 Street
Playground Belt Parkway, 78 to 80 Streets
Playground Belt Parkway/ 94 to 95 Streets
Playground Belt Parkway, 98 to 99 Streets
Playground Belt Parkway, 3 Avenue to 5 Avenue
Playground 10 Avenue, 52 to 53 Streets
Playground East 16, 17 Streets, North of Avenue S
Playground Gowanus Parkway, 2nd Avenue, bet. 55 & 56 Sts,
Playground Shore Parkway, E, 12 St. & Homecrest Avenue
QUEENS
Playground Central Avenue to 70 Street
Playground 45 Street and 21 Avenue
Parkway South 114 Street, South of World's Pair Boulevard
PLAYGROUNDS IN PART-TIME OPERATION
MANHATTAN
Lillian D. Wald Cherry, Monroe and Gouverneur Streets
Playground Essex and Houston Streets
Corlears Hook Park Jackson and Cherry Sts,, East River Dr.
Jasper Oval St. Nicholas Terrace, W. 136 to W. 138 Sts
Yorkville E. 101 Street, between 2 and 3 Avenues
Playground Cherry, Clinton and Water Streets
Thompson Street 95 Thompson St., Bet. Spring & Prince Sts.
St. Catherine's-Park 1st Ave., E. 67 to E. 68 Sts.
Sauer E. 12 Street, between Avenues A and B
Annunciation Park Convent Ave., Amsterdam Ave. & W. 135 St.
Columbus Park Baxter, Mulberry, Bayard &· Park Sts.
DeWItt Clinton Park 11 to 12 Ave., W. 52 to 54 Streets
Hamilton Fish Park E. Houston, Stanton, Sheriff & Pitt Sts.
John Jay Park East River, Cherokee PI., E, 76 to 78 Sts.
Tompkins Square Ave. A to Ave. B, E; 7 to E. 10 Sts.
Carmansville Amsterdam Ave., W. 151 to 152 Streets
Hamilton Place Hamilton Place and W. 140 to 141 Streets
John J. Murphy Park Avenue C, East River Drive, E. 17 Street
East River Drive E. 119 to East 120 Streets
Playground 6 Avenue and West 3 Street
Playground Houston and Sullivan Streets
Playground Houston and 6 Avenue
Playground Houston, McDougal and Sullivan Streets
Playground 59 Street and 11 Avenue
DeKovats East River Drive, York Ave. 91 to 92 Sts,
Queensboro Oval W. of Sutton Place, bet. E. 59 to E. 60 Sts.
Washington Square MacDougal to Wooster, Waverly PI., W. 4 St.
Bernard Downing Columbia, Delancy, Sheriff and Broome Sts.
Colonial Bradhurst Avenue and West 151 Street
Harlem Housing Harlem River and 150 Street
Carl Schurz E. 84 Street and East End Avenue
Playground Lewis and Rivington Streets
Playground E. 54 Street
Playground 150 Street, West of 7 Avenue
Playground 106 Street and 5 Avenue
Playground 106 Street and Lexington Avenue
Playground Morningside Avenue and West 123 Street
Louis Covillier 1st Avenue to East River, E. 125 to E. 124
Manhattan Bridge App. Bowery and Bayard Streets
Seward Park Canal, Hester, Essex & Jefferson Streets
Rumsey Central Park, East of Mall
Great Sawn Central Park
Central Park 106 Street
Hudson Park Hudson, Leroy, Clarkson Sts. & 7 Ave.
Playground Randall's Island
Highbridge Park 167 Street and Amsterdam Avenue
Highbridge Park West 173 Street and Amsterdam Avenue
Highbridge Park West 180 Street and Amsterdam Avenue
Highbridge Park West 189 Street and Amsterdam Avenue
Thomas Jefferson 1st Avenue and East 111 Street
St. Nicholas St. Nicholas Avenue and West 141 Street
St. Nicholas Terrace St. Nicholas Terrace and W. 129 Street
Inwood Hill West 207 Street and Seaman Avenue
Riverside Park Riverside Drive and W. 74 Street
Riverside Park Riverside Drive and W. 82 Street
Riverside Park Riverside Drive and W. 97 Street
Riverside Park Riverside Drive and W. 102 Street
Riverside Park Riverside Drive and W. 105 Street
Riverside Park Riverside Drive and West 107 Street
Riverside Park Dyckman Street
Riverside Park Riverside Drive and W. 148 Street
Riverside Park Riverside Drive and W. 165 Street
Port Tryon Park Riverside Drive to Broadway and Dyckman St.
Port Tryon Park Bennett Avenue
Port Tryon Park 191 Street and Overlook Avenue
BRONX
Playground Bronx Blvd. and Rosewood Street
Playground Bronx Park East and Reiss Place
Playground Bronx Park East &nd Boston Road
Claremont Park Clay Avenue and 170 Street
Claremont Park Weeks and Mount Eden Avenues
Crotona Park - #1 Crotona Park North and Crotona Avenue
Crotona Park - #2 Crotona Park North and Marmion Avenue
Crotona Park - #3 Crotona Park North and Waterloo Place
Crotona Park - #4 Crotona Park East, opposite 174 Street
Crotona Park - #6 Crotona Park East, bet .Charlotte & Suburban
Crotona Park - #8 Crotona Park East and Wilkins Avenue
Crotona Park - #9 Crotona Park South and Clinton Avenue
Crotona Park - #12 173 Street and Pulton Avenue
Devoe Park University Avenue and West 188 Street
Playground 150 Street and Park Avenue
Lyons Square Aldus Street, and Longfellow Avenue
Mosholu Parkway Mosholu Parkway, Northeast of Jerome Avenue
Mullaly Park River Avenue and 165 Street
Fort Independence Jerome Park Reservoir & Sedgwick Avenue
Playground 177 Street and Noble Avenue
Orchard Beach Adjacent to Orchard Beach Parking Field
Saint James Park Jerome Avenue and East 191 Street
Playground Watson, Gleason and Noble Avenues
Playground East 183 Street and River Avenue
Playground Teasdale Place and East 164 Street
Fort Schuyler Pennyfield Avenue and East River, Throggs Neck
Louis Zimmerman Olinville Avenue, South of Britton Street
Williamsbridge East 208 Street and Bainbridge Avenue
Van Cortlandt Park So. 240 Street and Broadway
Vincent Ciccarone 188 Street and Hughes Avenue
Playground 141 Street and Brook Avenue
Playground Spoffard and Faile Streets
Playground East 182 Street and Belmont Avenue
Playground Cauldwell Avenue
Playground MacCombs Dam Road and Goble Place
Mott Haven Health Cen. East 140 Street , East of Alexander Avenue
Playground East 136 Street and Alexander Avenue
Pelham Bay Park - #1 Eastern Boulevard and Willow Lane
Pelham Bay Park - #2 Eastern Boulevard and Sands Place
Saint Mary's Park W. East 149 Street and S t . Ann's Avenue
BROOKLYN
Mount Prospect Eastern Parkway and Flatbush Avenue
Bushwick Park Knickerbocker and Irving Avenues
Bushwick Knickerbocker and Putnam Avenues
Playground Lafayette and Reid Avenues
Tompkins Tompkins and Maroy Avenues
Playground Stuyvesant Avenue and Marian Street
Brower Park Brooklyn and Prospect Avenues
Rudd Aberdeen Street and Bushwick Avenue
Playground Hopkinson Avenue and Dean Street
Playground Bloke and Euclid Avenues
Playground Pitkin and New Jersey Avenues
Playground Sullivan Place and Nostrand Avenue
Playground Riverdale and Snediker Avenues
Playground Elton Street and New Lots Avenue
Canarsie Park Seaview Avenue and East 80 Street
Playground 95 Street and Avenue L
Playground Avenue V and East 13 Street
Playground New York and Clarkson Avenues
Playground Flatlands Avenue and East 38 Street
Playground Marine Parkway and Nostrand Avenue
Playground 23 Street and 5 Avenue
Playground Port Hamilton Parkway and 52 Street
Playground Prospect and Greenwood Avenues
Playground 18 Avenue and 83 Street
City Park Flushing and Park Avenues
Carroll President and Court Streets x
State Street Pier Foot of State Street
McLaughlin Park Bridge and Tillary Streets
Playground Union Street and Yan Brunt Street
Playground Smith Street and Luqueer Street
Playground Jay and Nassau'Streets
Playground 4 Avenue and President Street
Cadman Plaza Fulton and Tillary Streets
Playground Park Avenue and Taaffe Place
Lindsay Park Johnson Avenue and Boerum Street
LaGuardia Havemeyer and South 4 Street
Playground Cherry Street and Vandervoort Avenue
Greenpolnt Franklin and Commercial Streets
Playground Underhill and Prospect Avenues
Williamsburg Bridge South 5 and Berry Streets
Me Kibben White and McKibben Streets
Playground Broadway and Kent Avenue
Playground 2 Avenue and 56 Street
Playground 2 Avenue and 39 Street
Playground 16 Avenue and 70 Street
Playground 38 Street and Dahill Road
Playground 10 Avenue and 42 Street
QUEENS
Woodhaven Park Playgd 88 to 89 Avenues, near 90 St., Woodhaven
Playground 179 Place, north of Jamaica Avenue
Flushing Meadow Park 114 Street, south of Horace Harding Blvd.
Flushing Meadow Park 114 Street and 37 Avenue
Alley Park No. of Grand Central Pkwy near 76 Avenue
Alley Park Grand Central Pkwy, Union Tnpk. & Winchester
Cunningham Park No. of Grand Central Pkwy at parking space
Cunningham Park Grand Central Parkway opposite 193 Street
Grover Cleveland Park Grandview Avenue and Stanhope Street
Grover Cleveland Park Stanhope Street opposite Fairview Avenue
Juniper Valley Park 74 Street and 62 Avenue
Juniper Valley Park Dry Harbor Road between 62 and 63 Avenues
Newtown 56 Avenue and 92 Street
Raymond M. O'Connor 32 to 33 Avenues
Daniel M. O'Connell 113 Avenue and-196 Street, St. Albans
Bridge Plaza- Crescent & 27 Sts., bet. 42 Road & 43 Avenue
Bridge Plaza 22 and 23 Streets - Bridge Plaza South
Astoria Park Ditmars Boulevard, 19 St., 25 Ave. & E.River
Astoria Park Opposite 23 Avenue near Shore Boulevard
Triborough Bridge App.-Hoyt Avenue North to South from 21 to 23 Sts.
Triborough Bridge App.-Hoyt Avenue North, 29 to 31 Streets
Albert C. Benninger Madison Street, West of Fresh Pond Road
Chisholm Park Poppenhusen Avenue, East River
Crocheron Park 35 Avenue and 214 Place
Playground Atlantic Avenue, 125 to 127 Streets
Flushing Memorial Fld.-Bayside Avenue, 25 Ave., 149 to 150 Streets
Playground Braddock Avenue and 240 Street
Playground 127 to 128 Streets bet, 18 and 20 Avenues
Playground 15 to 20 Avenues, west of Whitestone Pkwy.
Playground 115 Street & 114 Avenue, College Point
St. Albans Memorial 174 Street near 113 Avenue
Howard Beach Hawtree Basin-Shellbank Basin-Jamaica Bay
Liberty Park 173 Street at 106 Avenue
Liberty Park Liberty Avenue and 172 Street
Liberty Park Liberty Avenue and 173 Street
Forest Park - Overlook-Kew Gardens, Park Lane So. & Interborough Pky
Forest Park-Victory Fid-Woodhaven Boulevard and Myrtle Avenue
Forest Park Park Lane South and Freedom Drive
Forest Park Park Lane South and 79 Street
Forest Park Park Lane South at Metropolitan. Av^mtte
RICHMOND
Michael J. Mahoney Beechwood Avenue, Crescent & Cleveland Sts.
Abraham Levy Memorial Jewett and Castleton Avenues
Playground Lincoln Avenue & Midland, 10 & Boundary Aves
Clove Lakes Clove Road
Clove Lakes Victory Boulevard
John E. White High St. to Lyman Ave., bet. Sumner & Bay Sts.
Playground Winter and Bismark Avenues
Wolfe's Pond Holton to Cornelia Avenues on Rarltan Bay
Paber Park Richmond Terrace, foot of Paber Street
Nicholas De Matti Tompkins Avenue and Shaughnessy Lane
Reinhard E.Kaltenmeler Virginia Avenue and Anderson Street
Mariner's Harbor Harbor Road near Richmond Terrace
Schmul Park Wild Avenue and Pearson Street
Stapleton Hygeia Place and Grove Street
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Monday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 April 13, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that boxing instruction and
training for the coming tournament leading up to city championships will
continue until Saturday, May 16, at all the designated boxing centers
including those situated in the swimming pool buildings.
These centers are located as follows:
Colonial Play Center, Bradhurst Avenue & West 145 Street, N. Y. C.
Thomas Jefferson Play Center, East 11 Street & First Avenue, N. Y. C.
last 54 Street Gym, 342 East 54 Street, New York City
West 28 Street Gym, 407 West 28 Street, New York City
McCarren Play Center, Driggs Avenue & lorimer Street, Brooklyn
Astoria Play Center, 19 Street opposite 23 Drive, Astoria
Crotona Play Center, East 173 Street & Fulton Avenue, Bronx
Cromwell Play Center, Murray Hulbert Avenue, Tompkinsville, Richmond
* * * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 April 10, 1942
Plan Blr-57-2801
Delivered 4/9/42 P.M.
The Department of Parks will let contracts this spring for the
development of the portion of Marine Park, Brooklyn, between Shore Parkway,
Flatbush Avenue and Rockaway Inlet. Funds were set aside for this waterfront
improvement by an amendment to the Capital Budget which was approved at
yesterday's meeting of the Board of Estimate, following favorable action by
the City Planning Commission. The amendment will now be forwarded to the
Council for consideration.
In order to compensate for the loss of the Barren Island section of
Marine Park which was condemned by the Navy in connection with the expansion
of Floyd Bennett Airport, it is planned to fill and improve the low marsh area
west of Flatbush Avenue. The work will consist of the construction of an
entrance roadway and parking field, approximately 1,000 lineal feet of
bulkhead and a storage area for boats adjacent to the end of Deep
Creek. Extending southward from Deep Creek and parallel with the shore
development a mooring basin will be excavated approximately 1,200 feet by
2,200 feet. The excavated material will be spread over the adjoining low areas
and land under water to provide usable park uplands. It is expected that
construction will be started early this summer.
The expansion of Floyd Bennet Field makes it imperative to remedy the
traffic congestion on Flatbush Avenue between Avenue U and the Marine Parkway
Bridge. The Federal Public Roads Administration will construct this
improvement as part of its program of access roads leading to defense
areas. Adjacent to the Airport between the Shore Parkway and Marine Parkway
Bridge, Flatbush Avenue will be widened approximately forty feet on its
westerly side. The new roadway treatment will consist of two, thirty-six feet
wide roadways separated by a forty foot wide mall. A system of accelerating
and decelerating lanes leading to turn-around points in the mall will permit
access to the new park area and to the entrances to the Airport from both
directions without a direct crossing of traffic. North of the Belt Parkway, in
the vicinity of Avenue U, Flatbush Avenue will be widened on its easterly
side. A five-span steel viaduct with approach ramps will be constructed in
Flatbush Avenue to carry through-traffic on Flatbush Avenue over Avenue U.
This viaduct will be forty-eight feet wide and will havo two traffic lanes in
each direction separated by a dividing curb.
The New York State Department of Public Works is preparing contract
drawings for the highway work and construction is scheduled to start this
spring.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Wednesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 April 8, 1942
DEV:B-L-210-203
LOCiB-L-210-204
Pix: #21568 Del: 4/7/42
#21369 2:00p.m.
#21370
The Department of Parks announces the opening of a new
playground at Third Avenue from 34 to 35 Streets, Brooklyn. This is one of
thres areas acquired by the Triborough Bridge Authority in connection with the
Gowanus Parkway and assigned to the Department of Parks for playground
purposes.
Slightly over one acre in area it lies immediately east of the
Gowanus Parkway. The improvement includes new wide concrete sidewalks, a
brick comfort station, a wading pool, a combination basketball and volleyball
court, two groups of play apparatus and a large irrigated diggery for children
bordered with benches for mothers. Also four handball courts are located in
the rectangular offset at the south end of the playground.
The work was done by the Work Projects Administration from
plans prepared by the Department of Parks. In 1934 there were 119 playgrounds
in the five boroughs, 63 of which have been reconstructed. There are now with
this addition, 468 playgrounds in the park system.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Monday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 April 6, 1942
Dev. B-l-28-1007
Loc: B-L-28-1OOS
pix: #21371 Del: 4/4/42
#21572 12:50 noon
#21372
The Department of Parks announces the completion of a new
playground and field house, part of the 40 acre recreational development now
approaching completion between the Belt Parkway and the Golf Course in Dyker
Beach Park, Brooklyn.
The field house, a one story brick structure, approximately 44' x
100' is located at the east end of the athletic field in a paved plaza
designed as a focal point for the park entrances and boundary walks.
A central lobby and administrative office provides aooess to the
building which contains comfort stations, showers and locker rooms. Exterior
entrances to the comfort stations are provided at each end of the field house.
The playground is subdivided into five fence-enclosed units
containing a concrete wading pool, a free play area, shuffleboard courts, play
slides, play swings, a pipe frame exercise unit, a sand pit, seesaws,
kindergarten slides, and chair swings; also basketball, horseshoe pitching,
paddle tennis, and handball courts. A battery of nine tennis courts will be
available.
The adjacent development which will be completed later this spring
consists of three main areas subdivided for various uses. A 30 acre athletic
oval will be divided in half by a 100 foot wide tree planted mall flanked by
two bench lined promenades. The two fields are being developed symmetrically,
each containing two regulation baseball diamonds, three softball diamonds, one
football field with removable goal posts, and concrete bleacher with double
wings.
The entire field will be bordered by wide bench linrad walks with
connections to the Parkway path system and marginal sidewalks. A variety of
trees and shrubs will be grouped around the grass surfaced fields which will
not be opened for play until a suitable turf has became established.
The work was performed by the Work Projects Administration from
plans prepared by the Department of Parks, In 1934 there were 119 playgrounds
in the five boroughs. There are now with this addition 467. playgrounds in
the park system.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 April 3, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the opening on Saturday
morning, April 4, of nine of the ten municipal golf courses.
The Split Rock Course in the Bronx will not be opened until
Saturday, April 18, because the fairfrays on this layout have not dried out
sufficiently.
At Van Cortlandt Golf Course, closed in part last year, the
entire 18 holes will be available for play on Saturday.
Permits for season play on the courses have been on sale at all
the borough offices for the past two weeks. The cost of the season permit is
the same as last year, five dollars. This permits the holder to play on any
municipal-course on weekdays and an additional charge of 50¢ per round is
made on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. 75¢ is the cost of a daily
weekday permit and one dollar for daily permits on Saturdays, Sundays and
holidays.
Following are the courses to be opened on Saturday, April 4:
Dyker Beach Golf Course - 86 Street & Seventh Avenue, Brooklyn Van
Cortlandt Golf Course - 242 Street & Broadway, Bronx Mosholu Golf Course
- Jerome Avenue & Holley Lane at Woodlawn, Bronx Pelham Golf Course -
Shore R-oad, North of Hutchinson River Parkway, Bronx Forest Park Golf
Course - Park Lane South & Forest Parkway, Forest Park, Queens Kissena
Golf Course - North Hempstead Turnpike and Fresh Meadow Road, Flushing
Clearvlew Golf Course - Belt Parkway, Bayside, Queens Silver Lake Golf
Course - Silver Lake Park, Victory Blvd. & Park Road, Richmond
LaTourette Golf Course - Forast Hill & London Roads, Richmond.
*** *** ***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Wednesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 April 1, 1942
Loc. BL-195-104
Dev. BL-193-105
Pix: #21365 Del:
#21366 3/31/42
#21367 12:45 noon
The Department of Parks announces the opening of a new
playground in the two acre recreational development rapidly nearing completion
and located in the block bounded by East New York Avenue, Albany Avenue,
Lefferts Avenue and Kingston Avenue, Brooklyn.
This property was formerly owned and operated by the
Commercial High School Field Association for the exclusive use of the students
of the Alexander Hamilton High School. Early in 1940 the property was deeded
to the City for use as an athletic field and recreational area for the joint
use of high school students and local residents on condition that the City
maintain it in perpetuity for its prescribed use.
The old field was completely enclosed by board fence and contained
a football field, two sections of bleachers, a small concrete block building
with locker space and two handball courts. All of these items, were removed
in preparation for the new development which consists of a greater variety
of facilities organized to permit more efficient uae and maintenance.
The area has been completely enclosed by chain link fence, a
portion of which, along the north and south property lines, is set on new
concrete retaining walls. These structures have permitted the grading and
paving of level play surfaces. Two gate controlled entrance stairways from
lefferte Avenue will provide access to the one and one quarter acre grass
surfaced athletic field, at the west end of the property. A new five-tier
concrete bleacher extending along the north boundary of the field will also
serve to retain the south sidewalk along Lefferts Avenue which is 3 to 5 feet
above the athletic field.
The three-quarter acre bituminous surfaced playground adjacent to
Albany Avenue is separated from the athletic field by a chain link fence with
a connecting gateway. The play area is subdivided into the following units
by fencing and block paved panels containing benches and trees:
School Age Apparatus Area:
Pipe frame exercise unit
Play slides
Battery of swings
Shower basin
Drinking fountain
Pre-School Age Apparatus Area:
Slides
Battery of chain swings
Seesaws
Sand pit - continuous benches on three sides
Court Games Area
2 concrete surfaced handball courts
Basketball court with, removable goals
Plans have been completed for a field house and comfort station to
be built in the future between the athletic field and playground.
The work was performed by the Work Projects Administration from
plans prepared by the Department of Parks. In 1934 there were 119 playgrounds
in the five boroughs, 63 of which have been reconstructed. There are now with
this addition 466 playgrounds in the park system.
* * * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Saturday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 March 28, 1942
The Park Department announces the opening of the Annual Easter
Flower Show at the Greenhouse in Prospect Park (Prospect Park West and 7
Street, Brooklyn) on Palm Sunday, March 29 at 10:00 a.m. The exhibit will be
open to the public each day thereafter for three weeks from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m.
The exhibit this year is one of the finest of these annual
shows. More than 300 varieties of flowers are represented by 5,000
specimens. The main feature of- the show is a huge cross 25 feet high,
made up of pure white Bermuda Lilies and beautiful light pink Azaleas
and banked with Genistas, Shower of Gold Plant, and pink Rhododendrons
at the base of the cross. Leading to the steps of the cross Is a path
of grass with a Victory Garden of Azaleas in over 100 varieties.
As a background for the central motive, the walls of the
Greenhouse are banked with a colorful display of flowers in great varieties,
among which are Cinerarias, Calceolarias, Sweet Peas and Snapdragons.
*** *** ***
Press photographs may be taken at any time.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 March 27, 1942
The Department of Parks will present the "KEEP-EM ROLLING
OF 1942" at the New York City Building Rinks on Friday, March 27, 1942.
As in the VICTORY ICE REVUE presented at the building a few
weeks ago, the program will include several ballet and group numbers,
individual exhibitions, comedy acts and novelties. The performers are amateur
saters developed and trained at the City Building Rinks, and if the
overwhelmingly successful ICE REVUE may be considered a criterion, this
presentation should prove very interesting and entertaining. A musical
accompaniment will be provided by the City Building's popular organist. The
admission fee will be the customary evening rate of 40¢ for everyone, and
it will entitle patrons to the use of either rink before and after the
show. There will be no in- terruption in ice skating during the REVOE, which
will begin at 8:30 P.M. and last approximately an hour.
The rinks may be reached via the I.R.T. or B.M.T. Flushing
Lines, 111 Street Station. The ice rink will remain open through April, and
the roller rink will continue to operate through May.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Saturday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 March 21, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the New York State
Indoor Speed Ice Skating Championships will be held on Sunday, March 22, 1942
at 5:30 p.m., in the skating rink at the New York City Building, Flushing
Meadow Park, Queens.
Three hundred and seventy-five amateur skaters from New York,
New Jersey, Connecticut and several other New England States, have registered
for these championships, which are sanctioned bv the Middle Atlantic Skating
Association Inc., Northern New York Skating Assooiation and "West New York
Skating Association of the Amateur Skating Union of the United States.
Fourteen speed skating events, ranging from the quarter mile to
the two mile race are included in the program for Senior Men and Women,
Intermediate Bovs (under 18 years), Junior Boys (under 16 years), Juvenile
Boys (under 14 years), Midget Boys (under 12 years), and Intermediate Girls
(under 18 years). Three events, the half mile, one mile and two mile, closed
to skaters who are registered members of the Middle Atlantic Skating
Association have been included also in the program.
Some of the outstanding skaters in the Men1s Division who will
compete are: Henry Yan Putten, present holder of the North American Indoor
Speed Skating Championship as well as the 1942 winner of the Inter-City Indoor
Championship, and the Tri-State Outdoor Championship, and Roy Erickson,
present title holder of the Metropolitan Indoor Five Mile event.
In the Senior Women's Division, twenty year old Virginia Jahn,
of Creskill, New Jersey, a New York University student, winner of the Silver
Skates, 2 mile event, 1942 and the present holder of the 4 mile, Metropolitan
Indoor Championship and Alice Burnham, 1942 Metropolitan Outdoor and Indoor
Champion, and the winner of the § mile and 3/4 mile of the North American
Championship, have registered for the New York Stata Championships.
Champions in the other age divisions will also compete, including
Frank Williams, Junior Division, holder of North American Indoor Championship
and John Schneider, Intermediate Division, winner of the 1942 Silver Skates
and the National Outdoor Championship.
Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded by the Park
Department to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner of each event.
Spectators wi 11 be admitted to the skating championships by paying
the regular admission fee of 40¢. Extra seating has been provided.
The roller skating r?.nk will be open to the public from 7:30
p.m. to 11 p.m. on the same evening upon payment of the 4Qi admission charge.
Roller skates will be furnished without any additional cost.
The cafeteria will be open during the course of the evening, and a
variety of food and drinks may be purchased at reasonable prices.
The New York City Building, Flushing Meadow, may be reached by:
1.) I.R.T., B.M.T. and 2nd Avenue Lines to 111 Street Station,
2.) Flushing Ridgewood Trolley to Flushing Meadow'Amphitheatre - walk left into
the park,
3.) Independent Subway,Train marked "E","F" or "G" to Roosevelt Avenue Station,
Change for I.R.T. or B.M.T. to 111 Street. The Park may be entered at the
following gates: 111 Street and 54 Avenue, Horace Harding Boulevard, 800
feet east of the Grand Central Parkways Roosevelt Avenue, east of Grand
Central Parkway. Adequate free parking facilities are available at both
the north and south sides of the building.
***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Monday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 March 16, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the completion of work in
connection with the reconstruction of Bensonhurst Park and the addition of a
new playground, baseball fields and other recreation facilities. This nineteen
acre expanded park lies south of Cropsey Avenue between Bay Parkway and 21st
Avenue extending to the bulkhead at Gravesend Bay, Borough of Brooklyn.
Intersected by the Belt Parkway the north section had been partially developed
along Cropsey Avenue with walks, promenades, grass panels and planting around
a comfort station.
The old park area has been increased in size. Fifteen acres
were added at the time that the Belt Parkway was constructed. This was done
by pumping sand beyond the seawall which was erected at the outshore end of
the property.
The two previously undeveloped triangular areas on either side
of the parkway have been provided with play areas and ball fields. The north
section has a large circular grass plot; a semicircular asphalt surfaced
playground adjacent to Bay Parkway containing a concrete wading pool with
removable goals for volley ball and basketball, an irrigated sandpit with
benches on three sides, swinge, slides and seesaws, and a oipe fraaio exercise
unit.
Also a court game area at the northeast corner of this section
of the park has bean provided with two double handball courts, two basketball
courts, four shuffleboard courts, and a combination roller and ice skating
area.
A Softball diamond with hooded chain link fence backstop is
located south of this area adjacent to the parkway.
Between the parkway and the bulkhead prsmenade a large
semicircular fence enclosed field has been seeded and developed with two
softball diamonds. These however will not be open for play until suoh time as
the turf will withstand continuous usage. Bench lined asphalt walks.encircle
this area and connect with the existing bulkhead promenade along which
continuous benches have also been installed facing the bay.
A battery of eight bituminous surfaced tennis courts have been built
at the east end of this area adjacent to the Gravesend Bay boat yards and
wharfs. Several hundred feet of riprap wall adjacent to the tennis courts and
at the foot of Bay Parkway were rebuilt. .
170 shrubs and over 200 trees including 40 flowering crabapples were
planted along the paths, around the play areas and in groups about the newly
seeded or sodded lawns.
The project which was built by the Work Projects Administration from
plans prepared by the Department of Parks also included storage and
maintenance buildings, drinking fountains, benches, flagpole, drainage,
irrigation and lighting.
In 1934 there were 119 playgrounds in the five boroughs, 63 of which
have been reoonstruoted. There are now with this addition 465 playgrounds in
the park system.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 March 13, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that 10,436,000 flounder fry
furnished by the United States Fish and Wild Idfe Service were deposited
Thursday, March 12, in the deep channels of Jamaica Bay in the vicinity of the
boat house at Cross Bay Boulevard Bridge.
The Rockaway Chamber of Commerce also deposited a similar amount in
the waters adjacent to Beach Channel Drive.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Wednesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 March 11, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the birth in the Central Park Zoo
of a baby camel oh March 9.
The new arrival, weighing 65 pounds is the daughter of "Artie" and
"Ally", 7 year old Bactrian camels.
The father and mother valued at $1500. were a gift to the Zoo by an
anonymous donor on November 22,1941.
The mother and her baby are doing well and are now on exhibition in
the antelope house.
Photographs may be taken at any time.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Wednesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 March 11, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that season permits for
golf and tennis facilities will go on sale, Wednesday, March 18. The price of
these permits will be the same as last year, five dollars for golf and three
dollars for tennis. A season golf permit is good on week days, but on
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays there is an additional charge of fifty cents
to permit holders. The daily fee permit for play from Monday to Friday oosts
seventy-five cents and one dollar for Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. A
season tennis permit is good for play at any time. A locker permit for the
season costs five dollars for golf and two dollars for tennis.
Applicants for permits must furnish photographs, one and
one-half inch by one and one-half inch with filled out applications. Permits
may be procured by application in person or by mail by applying to the various
Borough Offices located as follows:
Manhattan: Arsenal Building
64 Street and Fifth Avenue
Brooklyn: Litchfield Mansion
Prospect Park last and Fifth Street
Queens: The Overlook
Union Turnpike and Park Lane
Forest Park, Kew Gardens, L.I.
Bronx: Bronx Park East and Birchall Avenue
Bronx Park
Richmond: Clove Lakes Park
Clove Road, West of Victory Boulevard
Due to the uncertainty of spring weather, definite dates for
the opening of the golf courses and clay tennis courts cannot be set at this
time. If weather conditions are favorable, it is expected that the golf
courses will open on Saturday, April 4 and the clay tennis oourts on Saturday,
April 11.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 March 6, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the third boxing
exhibition in a series of eight will take place at tho Park Department
Gymnasium located at 342 East 54 Street, Manhattan, Friday, March 6, at 8:30
P.M. Admission is free.
This exhibition will consist of eight bouts ranging from 118
lb. through the 175 lb. class. Bach boxer will be a novice, who has received
his training under tho supervision of park personnel, whose knowledge of and
practical experience in tho art of self defense, qualified them as
instructors.
Training for this exhibition began last Docembor, when the Park
Department included boxing for the first time in its schedule of recreational
activities and adequately supplied 8 centers throughout the five boroughs with
all thoxnecessary equipment. During this comparatively short span of two and a
half months, the rogular attendants at the boxing sessions have gone through a
course of body building exercises followed by instructions in the fundamentals
such as: the proper position of hands and feet, precision and timing of the
left jab, left-hook, uppercut, right hand cross, blocking, shifting,
otc. While all thoso points are practiced on the light and heavy punching
bags, the real test of thoir propor execution is obtained in actual bouts.
The program for the exhibition at the East 54 Street Gymnasium
next Friday night is as follows:
105 lb... Class
Thomas Wagner vs. Micahol Kotovka
120 lb. Class
Louis Schuddlo vs. Anthony Gioia
118 lb. Class
Poter Olmoz vs. Micha&l Tripono
150 jLb. .Class
Silvio DiOrio vs. Josoph Alvarez
165 lb. Class
Albert Aquila vs. Erich Schauor
170 lb. Class
Grant Panaroso vs. Eddio Nichols
147 Ib. Class
James Scolard vs. Tamos Hyland
120 1b. Class
Ossie Rodriqiuo vs. Angel Borgos
155 lb. Class
Thomas Anzalono vs. Bernard Kenrick
The official referee will bo Bon Carubbia, a student at the Savage
School for Physical Education, and 1941 winnor of the Metropolitan A. A. U.
135 lb. Championship.
Included among the guost reforoos will bo John Gaddi, an official
referee of the Metropolitan A. A. U., who won three National A. A. U. boxing
championships in one tournament at Newark, Now Jersey, in 1916; and, Arthur
Siskind, popularly known among boxing enthusiasts, as "Young Otto", who is the
only professional boxer to win 16 consecutive bouts by knockouts in one minute
of the first round.
Judging by the widespread interest and largo attendance at the two
previous exhibitions, it is expected that East 54 Street Gymnasium will be
filled to capacity. A portable ring, constructed at the Park Department shops,
will bo sot up in the center of the gymnasium floor and extra seating has been
provided for.
The remaining exhibitions arc scheduled as follows:
Host 28 Stroet Gym, 407 West 28 Stroot, N. Y. C. - March 10
McCarron Play Conter, Driggs Avo. &. Lorimer St., Brooklyn - March 13
Astoria Play Center, 19 Street opposito 23 Drive, Astoria, Queens -
March 18
Crotona Play Center, East 173 St. & Fulton Ave., Bronx - March 24
Cromwoll Play Conter, Murray Hulbort Avo., Tompkinsvillo, S.I.-
March 27
Upon completion of these exhibitions, preparations will be made for
tho city-wide boxing tournament leading up to championship bouts in the late
spring, at which prizes will bo awarded to the winners of the various weight
divisions.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Thursday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 March 5, 1942
The Board of Estimate today accepted a gift of a large tract of
land for a park in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. The new waterfront park
was donated by the Dodge and Perkins families and is part of the estates which
have been held by them for many years. It is one of the most important park
gifts received by the city in recent years.
The property lies on a high bluff overlooking the Hudson River
west of Palisade Avenue'between West 247th Street and West 254th Street.
The gift comprises 42 acres of land valued at $322,000. of which 37 acres
will be used for park, and the balance for the opening of Palisade Avenue.
Under the terms of the agreement, the city will acquire an
additional eight acres of land to round out the park. This will be acquired by
condemnation as an assessable proceeding.
The combined area of the park gift and the parcels to be acquired
by the city is 45 acres.
An additional gift of similar land by the Douglas estate south of
the Dodge-Perkins donation is pending, and will be placed before the Board of
Estimate in a few weeks.
This ia a valuable addition to the park system since this section is
completely lacking in recreational facilities. Riverdale has been developing
rapidly with apartment houses and there are few large open properties left.
Because of the high value of waterfront land for residential use, it is
doubtful if the city could acquire such a large tract by other means.
The property is rugged in character and will be used primarily as a
local scenic and recreational area to preserve its natural characteristics and
the excellent view across the Hudson River.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Monday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 March 2, 1942
The Department of Parks announces new arrivals in the Prospect Park
Zoo, - twin lion cubs. These recent bundles of fur, weighing one pound each,
are son and daughter of Rex I and Helen,
The cubs are the third litter that Helen has presented to the
Prospect Park Zoo. The mother and her babies are doing well and are confined
in special quarters, awaiting their debut on Sunday, March 8, at which time
they will be placed on public exhibition in the lion house.
Both the father and mother are ten-year old African, forest-bred,
lions. The father was presented to the Zoo in 1935 by Metro Goldwyn Mayer and
the mother was presented in the same year by S. Klein.
Press photographers may take pictures
starting Monday, March 2.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Sunday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 March 1, 1942
This year many fishing areas have been set aside by the
Department of parks for salt water anglers and surf casters of New York City
who, because of the tire and auto rationing and the restrictions on off-shore
fishing boats, must necessarily find their recreation in nearby boundary
waters.
The areas and their season and hours of operation, are located
as follows;
QUEENS
Jacob Riis Park, North Shore - at all times
Cross Bay Boulevard Bridge - at all times
Cross Bay Parkway Bridge - at all times
*Jacob Riis Park Beach, Bay 1 3 - 8 P*M. to 8 A.M.
*Rockaway Beach, Beach 17 to Beach 21 Streets - at all times
*Rockaway Beach, Beacb. 21 to Beach 73 Streets - 8 P.M. to 8 A.M.
*Rockaway Beach, Beach 126 to Beach 149 Streets - 8 P.M, to 8 A.M.
RICHMOND
*Wolfe's Pond Beach - October to May, daylight hours
*South Beach - October to May, daylight hours
MANHATTAN
Southwest corner of Randall's Island - all year, daylight hours
107 Street Pier, East River - all year, daylight hours
BRONX
Twin Island, Pelham Bay Park - all year, daylight hours
Talapoosa Point, Pelham Bay Park - all year, daylight hours
North of old Hunter Island Bridge, Pelham Bay Park-all year, daylight hours
Sea wall at parking field adjacent to Huntington Mansion, Pelham Bay Park -
all yeaif, daylight hours
Orchard Beach side of lagoon, Pelham Bay Park-Oct to May, daylight hours
Perry Point Park - all year, daylight hours
BROOKLYN
Canarsie Pier - at all times
Shore Parkway, Waterfroat Promenade between Ft. Hamilton and Bay
8 Street - at all times
Steeplechase Pier (abutment) - at all times Daylight hours only
Steeplechase Pier(both sides of Pier, North of building) - October to May,
Daylight hours only winter months - summer not at all.
*Coney Island Beach - October to May, 24 hours
Bay 14, East & West of pier - May to October, 12 Midnight to 8 A.M.
Neptune Avenue & West 25 St.(Area on Waterfront Promenade) - at all times
*SURF CASTING
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Saturday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 February 28, 1942
On Monday, March 2, at 8:15 P. M. a "FOR VICTORY ICE REVUE OF
1942" will be presented at the City Building in Flushing Meadow Park, Queens.
Besides several ballet numbers by the entire cast of forty, all
patrons of the rink, Irving Jaffee, Olympic Speed Skating Champion, Wilbur
Meyer, Barrel Jumping Champion, Yvonne Sherman, 11-year old sensational skater
from New York Figure Skating Club, and Lois Goeller, 14-year old National
Skating Champion, who is Cinderella in the Revue, will perform.
In addition, Carol Lynn, acrobatic skating sensation and the
"Three Rookies" composed of Neil Rose, Meryle Baxter and Don Arthur, all from
"It Happens on Ice" at the Center Theater, have volunteered their services to
make this show most entertaining. The "Three Rookies" is the newest act in ice
skating and has been proclaimed to be the funniest act ever produced on ice.
Roller skating will be permitted before the ice show, which will
last an hour. After the show, both roller and ice skating will be permitted
until 11:30 P.M., instead of the usual closing hour of 11 P.M.
There will be no increase in the usual admission fee of forty
cents.
The following is the program to be presented:
ACT I
"Sweetheart Polka" - Folk Dance with entire chorus
ACT II
"Spinning Whizzes" - Alphonso Cornetta and Mildred Pigas
ACT III
"Skating School" - Irving Jaffee (Olympic Champion)
ACT IV
"Cinderella Ballet"
Scene 1
a. "Dance of the Flowers"(Tchaikowski)-Girls' Ballet
b. "Entrance of Cinderella" *· Lois Goeller
Scene 2
a* "Dance of the Hours"(Ponchielli)-Girls' Ballet
b. "Meeting of Cinderella and Prince" - Lois Goeller & Lee Clark
c. Acrobatic Dance - Carol Lynn(0f "It Happens On Ice")
Scene 3
"Wedding Waltz" - Entire Chorus
ACT V
"Speed Exhibition" - Irving Jaffee
ACT VI
"Solo" - Yvonne Sherman( New York Figure Skating Club)
ACT VII
"Speed and Barrel Jump Exhibition" (Distance Record Atteia.pt)-Wilbur Meyer
ACT VIII
"Three Rookies" - Neil Rose, Meryle Baxter and Don Arthur
(Of "It Happens On Ice")
ACT IX
"Military March" - Entire Chorus
ACT X
Finale - Entire Cast
* * * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 February 20, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that 8 boxing exhibitions will take
place at designated centers in the five boroughs beginning Friday, February
20, and ending Friday, March 27, according to the following schedule:
Location Exhibition Date
Colonial Play Center, Bradhurst Avenue & West 145 Street,N.Y.C. February 20
Thomas Jefferson Play Center, East 11 St. & First Avenue, N.Y.C. February 27
East 54 Street Gym, 342 East 54 Street, New York City March 6
West 28 Street Gym, 407 West 28 Street, New York City March 10
McCarren Play Center, Driggs Avenue & Lorimer Stj, Brooklyn March 13
Astoria Play Center, 19 Street opposite 23 Drive, Astoria March 18
Crotona Play Center, East 173 Street & Fulton Avenue, Bronx March 24
Cromwell Play Center, Murray Hulbert Avenue, Tompkinsville, March 27
Richmond
Boxing was added to the department's program of recreational
activities last December, when 8 centers were equipped with rings, mats, heavy
and light punching bags, gloves, skipping ropes, first aid material, etc.
Park personnel, who had practical experience in the training of boys and young
men interested in boxing, were put in charge of each center.
Of course, the primary objective of this activity is to improve the
physical condition of young men in wholesome surroundings. While some boxing
champions may be developed at these sessions, the program is intended to teach
the participants the fine points of the art of self defense.
Several hundred boys and young men, ranging from 14 to 32 years of
age, have been regular attendants at these boxing centers for the past two
months. The program includes exercises and calisthenic drills for the purpose
of tuning up the body so that it can withstand the exacting ordeal of boxing,
where agility in movement, quickness of perception and coordination between
mind and muscle are necessary factors prerequisite to the attainment of boxing
skill.
Following this preparatory training, the boys are taught the various
points of boxing including the proper position of hands and feet, precision
and timing of the left jab, hook, right hand cross, blocking, shifting, etc.
While all these points are practiced on the light and heavy punching bags, the
real test of their proper execution is obtained in actual bouts.
All the boxers at these scheduled exhibitions will be novices who
have received their training under the supervision of Park personnel. They
will be classified into three age groups: 14-16 years, 16-18 years and over 18
years, on the folio-wing weight basis: 112 lbs., 118 lbs., 126 lbs., 135 lbs.,
147 lbs., 160 lbs., 175 lbs. and over Each exhibition will consist of 8 bouts.
The program for the first exhibition at Colonial Play Center, on
Friday, February 20, at 8:30 p.m., is as follows:
100 lb. Class
Leon Russell (14 years) vs. Richard Collins (14 years)
110 lb. Class
Esme Springer (14 years) vs. Livingston Springer (14 years)
165 lb. Class
Cliff Thompson (19 years) vs. Buddy Davis (20 years)
165 lb. Class
Ernie Austin (17 years) vs. Clarence "Wood (17 years)
147 lb. Class
John O'Neil (13 years) vs. Reggie Furber (19 years)
147 lb. Class
Deotha Rankin (18 years) vs. Billy Bligen (19 years)
135 lb. Class
Percy Hampton (18 years) vs. Dudley Perdy (18 years)
160 lb. Class
Al Brown (17 years) vs. Freddy Brenson (18 years)
Upon completion of the exhibitions, preparations will be made for
the city-wide boxing tournament leading up to championship bouts in the late
spring, at which prizes will be awarded to the winners of the various age and
weight divisions.
***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Monday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 February 9, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the beginning of construction
on two playgrounds, one of which is located in Brooklyn and the other is
Queens.
The Brooklyn site is adjacent to Public school #35 located in
the middle of the block bounded by Sumner Avenue, McDonough Street, Lewis
Avenue and Decatur Street. It was acquired in July of last year by the Board
of Estimate for school and recreational purposes. The playground will be
operated jointly by the Board of Education and the Department of Parks.
In preparation for the new work eighteen two and three story
brick buildings are being demolished. The playground, approximately 200 feet
square, will lie Immediately west of the existing school which is being
considerably expanded by the addition of a long wing parallel to McDonough
Street. Access will be controlled by three gates, one leading to the school
portal and one each to McDonough and Decatur Streets. The following
facilities will be provided; softball diamond with hooded chain link backstop,
one basketball court with removable standards, vyro concrete surfaced handball
courts, two practice basketball standards and thirty-four units of park
benches.
Additional property was also acquired for a future playground
east of the school building at the corner of Lewis Avenue and Decatur Street.
In Queens adjacent to Public School #43 located in the block
bounded by Brinkerhoff Avenue, 160th Street, 109th Avenue and Union Hall
Street, the Board of Estimate acquired by condemnation the remainder of
privately owned property at the south end of this block, slightly over one
acre in extent. This parcel together with the 2-3/4 acres south and west of
the existing school building, formerly acquired for expansion of the school
and development of a playground, will permit more adequate facilities than
originally planned.
Located in the South Jamaica section of Queens, a neighborhood of one
and two story frame houses occupied by families of low income groups, the new
supervised recreational area will provide much needed play facilities for this
underprivileged community. The South Jamaica Housing Development, located two
blocks west, accomodates 1500 persons, 20% of whom fall within the ages of 6
to 20 and require additional playground service. The large playground at
Public School #48 directly west of the Long Island Railroad tracks is
inaccessible to this district.
The new playground, to be operated jointly by the Department of Parks
and the Department of Education for school and neighborhood play, will utilize
the entire block except for the portion occupied by the school building which
is now being expanded by the addition of a four story wing. Twenty-three one
to two and a half story frame buildings are being demolished in preparation
for the new development which will provide the following facilities: eight
concrete surfaced handball courts, wading pool, brick comfort station,
irrigated sand Pit and sitting area, seesaws, slides and swings for pre-school
and older children, a pipe frame exercise unit, two large open free play
areas, three practice basketball standards, one basketball court with
removable standards, two softball diamonds with hooded chain link backstops,
three paddle tennis courts and three shuffloboard courts,
Entrances will be easily accessible from the school building and the
boundary sidewalks.
The playgrounds are being constructed by the Work Projects
Administration from plans prepared by the Department of Parks.
*** *** ***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Wednesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 January 9, 1942
Bids were opened today by the Department of Parks at the Arsenal
Building in Central Park on a contract for the completion of the planting at
the west end of East River Park, The existing mall opposite the Vladeck Houses
south of East River Drive and extending from Montgomery to Jackson Streets was
constructed in connection with the development of the 20 acre Corlears Hook
section of East River Park. Approximately 85 feet wide and 1,200 feet long,
the mall was provided with a bench lined promenade and tree bordered grass
panel. Unseasonal planting conditions made it necessary to defer the balance
of the tree and shrub planting until this spring. Two hundred flowering shrubs
and twenty-five additional shade trees will be added to the park to screen the
parking area and dock structures frpm the Drive and to provide seclusion for
the sitting areas.
Bids were also taken on a contract for the installation of a chain
link fence along the south side of the mall to control pedestrian traffic
between the adjacent apartments and the water front development.
These two contracts together with a current „PA project for the
construction of a small sitting park between East 12th and East 13th Streets
at the north end of the 1½ mile shore front park will provide the finishing
touches to this 55 acre recreational area.
The three lowest bids on the planting contract were as follows:
1. Grand View Nurseries $3,912,00
6 Grand View Ave., Mt. Vernon, N. Y.
2. John Gozo 4,218.00
171-08 84th Road, Jamaica, N. Y.
3. Roman Landscape Contracting Co. 4,483.10
551 - 5th Avenue, N. Y. C.
The three lowest bids on the fence contract were as follows;
1. Union Fence Construction Co. $2,030.00
342 Madison Avenue, N. Y. C,
2. Ross Galvanizing Works, Inc. 2,171.00
389 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.
3. Anchor Post Fence Co. 2,354.92
9 East 38th Street, N. Y. C.
* * * *
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MEMORANDUM
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
Date January 21, 1942
TO: (crossed out)
FROM: Mr. Heaslip
Prepare reply for my signature
Prepare reply for signature of
Reply direct
See me on attached
Give me memorandum on attached
Send copy to
For your approval X
For your disposition
For your information
Note and send to General Files
REMARKS
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Saturday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 January 24, 1942
D R A F T
The Department of Parks announces the completion of a new 1½ acre
triangular playground located at the intersection of York Avenue and East
River Drive extending from E. 91 Street to E. 92 Street, Manhattan. The site
formerly occupied by a garage and gas station was acquired for recreational
purposes by the City in connection with the East River Drive development.
The playground consists of two main fence enclosed areas subdivided
into smaller units by block paved panels containing benches and trees. At the
west end along York Avenue is provided a wading pool and sitting area,
irrigated sand pit, 4 seesaws, chair swings, slides, swings, pipe frame
exercise unit, 2 shuffleboard courts and a free play area bordered with
benches.
In the triangular area adjacent to Bast River Drive are 4 concrete
handball courts and combination free play area with roller and ice skating
rink.
A 4 foot high wrought iron picket fence has been installed in back of
a new curb along the west side of York Avenue to control pedestrian access to
the playground.
The work was performed by the Work Projects Administration from plans
prepared by the Department of Parks. In 1934 there were 119 playgrounds in
the five boroughs. There are now with this addition 464 playgrounds in
the park system.
* * *
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EARLIER DRAFT OF PREVIOUS PRESS RELEASE HEAVILY MARKED UP BY HAND - OMITTED
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Thursday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 January 22, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that work in connection with
the converting of the Gracie Mansion in Carl Schurz Park, Manhattan, into a
permanent residence for the Mayors of New York City, will start on Thursday,
January 22.
In order to progress these alterations and provide a vehicular
entrance, the Mansion will he fenced off and the building closed to the
public.
The work is being performed by the W.P.A. from plans prepared by
the Department of Parks.
*** *** ***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 January 16, 1942
Admission to spectators at the City Building, Flushing Meadow Park,
during the free period for the children on Saturday and holiday mornings, will
continue, except that the spectators will only be permitted admission to the
balcony; they will no longer be permitted admission to the skating floor area.
Admission price will continue the same as before, 11¢ inclusive of
tax.
*** *** ***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 January 9, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that 205. park
areas, in all, have been set aside for ice skating throughout the five
boroughs.
For the past three days, several thousand school
children, adolescents and adults have used the ice skating facilities at the
15 tennis court areas, 134 wading pools and 29 other suitable recreation
areas, all of which were flooded for this particular winter sports activity.
In addition, the following lakes in the large
parks are open for ice skating:
Manhattan - 59 Street Lake, Central Park
Conservatory Lake, Central Park ( 72 Street )
Central Park at 79 Street and Transverse Road
Queens - Bowne Park Lake, 159 Street and 32 Avenue, Flushing
Crocheron Park Lake, 35 Avenue and 214 Place, Bayside
Jackson Pond, 108 Street and 30 Avenue, Richmond Hill
Linden Park Lake, 41 Avenue and 103 Street, Corona
Pea Pond, Hollis Court Boulevard and Grand Central Parkway, Hollis
Captain Tilly Park Lake, Highland Avenue and 85 Avenue, Jamaica
Twin Ponds, Brookville Boulevard and Merrick Road, Rosedale
Bronx Twin Lakes, Bronx Park North, Mosholu Parkway, East of Webster Ave
The other lakes will be opened as soon as the
ice reaches the 4½ inch standard of thickness.
Ice Skating will be permitted at all lakes and
at large floodlighted areas until 11:00 P.M.
Four ice skating carnivals will be held on
Saturday, January 10 at 2:00 P.M. at the following locations:
Manhattan - Conservatory Lake, Central Park
Brooklyn - Prospect Park Lake
Bronx - Vancortlandt Park Lake
Queens - Cunningham Park Lake (Sunday - January 11)
Richmond - Clove Lakes near Victory Boulevard and Clove Road
These carnivals will feature events for juveniles, juniors and
seniors and special events will be included for members of the Middle Atlentic
Skating Association.
A citywide winter sports carnival will be held on Saturday, January
17, at the Conservatory Lake, Central Park, at which the first five winners of
each event in the borough contests will be eligible to compete. Gold, silver
and bronze medals will be awarded to those who place 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each
event.
Twenty-nine hills in the various parks of the five boroughs have
been designated for coasting, together with fifteen areas suitable for skiing.
In the event of snow, a contest in snow sculpture and snow archi*-
tecture will be held on Saturday, January 17.
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( ) THE CITY OF NEW YORK George E Spargo
( SEAL ) DEPARTMENT OF PARKS Executive Officer
( ) ------- William H. Latham
ARSENAL Park Engineer
Robert Moses 64th STREET AND FIFTH AVENUE James A. Dawson
Commissioner CENTRAL PARK Senior Park Director
New York City James A. Sherry
Chief Clerk
Board of Estimate
Municipal Building
New York City
Gentlemen:
The Park Department has for some time been in doubt as to, the proper
permanent use of the Gracie Mansion, which was completely restored several
years ago, ana has recently been operated as a small, post-Colonial
museum. Most of the furniture has been loaned to the City, either by
individuals or by the larger institutions. We were never able to obtain
either rugs or hangings. The attendance has been vary small, and there is no
justification for maintaining this building in competition with much finer
exhibits in the Metropolitan Museum, The Museum'of The City of New York, and
elsewhere and in other fully furnished mansions of greater historic
significance.
The suggestion has repeatedly been made that the Gracie Mansion be
converted into a permanent residence for tha Mayors of New York. It is
eminently suited to this purpose. The, present Mayor has concluded that this
is the bost use for this property, and has requested the Park Department to
make plans for the conversion of the building. Mr. Aymar Embury, Consulting
Architect of the Park Department has made these plans. The work can be done
by the WPA. Certain furniture and fittings will be supplied by the
Metropolitan Museum, The Museum of the City of New York and the Brooklyn
Museum whose directors have generously offered their advice and assistance.
In converting the Gracie Mansion into the Mayors' residence, the
public comfort station in the basement will be eliminated. A separate comfort
station is being provided as part of the WPA program. The facilities required
for the police and the park maintenance forces will be provided in the
basement. It is proposed that the building be heated and kept in repair by the
City as it has bean in the past.
It will be necessary to fence off the Mansion end to provide a
vehicular entrance.
The Mayor has asked that this matter be submitted to your Board for
its consideration, with a resolution establishing the Gracie Mansion
permanently as the residence of the Mayors of New York.
Very truly yours,
(Robert Moses signature)
Commissioner
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WHEREAS, The Board of Street Opening and Improvement of the City
of New York, pursuant to Chapter 320 of the Laws of 1887, did select, locate,
lay out and acquire the park known as Carl Schurz Park in the Borough of
Manhattan, City of New York, and
WHEREAS, said park, as so selected, located and laid out, contains
within its borders a residence known as the Gracie Mansion, and
WHBREAS, this Board deems that a suitable and beneficial public
purpose will be served if the Gracie Mansion be hereafter the official
residence of the Mayor of the City of New York,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF
ESTIMATE OF ThE CITY OF NEW YORK:
That the Gracie Mansion, located in Carl Schurz Park, is hereby
designated and made available to the use of the Mayor of the City of New York,
as the official residence of the Mayor and his successors during their
incumbency in office.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Department of Parks is hereby
directed to make such alterations in the Gracie Mansion as are necessary and
required for its immediate occupancy as the official dwelling of the Mayor,
and to continue to maintain and repair said building, reserving for the
operation and policing of Carl Schurz Park so much of the basement as may be
needed.
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THE GRACIE MANSION HISTORY
The Gracie Mansion is particularly fortunate in its situation,
standing on a rocky point of land jutting into the East River and coromanding
a beautiful view of Hell Gate. From Dutch times this point of land has been
called Horen Hook, or Horn's Hook, and figured in the stormy days of the
Revolution.
In the seventeenth century, the first known owner was Sibout
Claessen in 1646, who came from Hoorn, on the Zuyder Zee, and presumably named
the point of land after his native village. The property passed through many
subsequent hands until acquired by the well-known Delamater family in 1690,
who in turn sold it to the Waldrons in 1710.
Samuel Waldron thus acquired a large farm of over a hundred and
fifty acres, partly by purchase and partly by inheritance, a part of which was
Horn's Hook, on which the Gracie Mansion now stands. The Waldrons owned this
property for about fifty years.
About 1760 Jacob Walton, at the time of his marriage to Polly
Gruger, daughter of the Mayor of New York, purchased Horn's Hook from William
Waldron and erected here an "elegant mansion" for his young bride. Here they
lived on the site now occupied by the Gracie leansion until they were forced
to leave at the time of the Revolution, when the house was commandeered for
the use of troops. Here the American forces erected a redoubt of nine guns,
called Thompson's Battery, to protect New York from the English forces coming
down the river.
In 1791 at the death of Jacob Walton, the property was inherited
by his four children from whom in 1798 Archibald Gracie purchased it. It is
not known whether Gracie enlarged Walton's house or had it removed and built a
new one, but judging from the style, the house was remodeled about 1800. The
construction of the fireplaces is similar to 18th century ones, and the window
embrasures in certain parts of the house suggest the period of about 1760. It
is probable that Walton's house was used as a tavern during the period from
1783, when the Revolutionary soldiers evacuated Manhattan Island, to the time
of its purchase by Gracie in 1798.
Mention of such a tavern is made in "Annals of New York City" for
1786. If it had undergone such hard usage at the hand of troopers and then as
a tavern, Gracie would most certainly have been obliged to renovate the entire
house. The mantels and other ornamental detail show Sheraton influence and
must date from about 1800, at which time this style came into fashion. One
white marble mantel with pillars in the Classic style would belong to an even
later period.
Archibald Gracie was a wealthy merchant whose ships were "familiar
on every sea," flying a red and white private flag. The Gracie Mansion as his
summer home became noted for its gracious hospitality, and it is said that not
infrequently as many as fifty guests sat down to dinner.
Here were entertained among many notables, Washington Irving, Josiah
Quincy, and last but not least, Louis Philippe, of the royal house of France.
Washington Irving came often to the fireside and his inspiration for "Astoria"
was received and part of his labors were pursued here and at the Astor Mansion
nearby. In 1813 Irving writes, "I find a very warm reception at the fireside
of Mr. Gracie. Their country-seat was one of my strongholds lapt summer, as I
lived in its vicinity. It is a charming, warm-hearted family and the old
gentle has the soul of a prince."
Josiah Quincy, after being entertained at the Gracie Mansion, wrote,
"The mansion is elegant in the modern style and the grounds laid out with
great taste in gardens." A mighty elm tree that stood at the point of land,
overlooking Hell Gate, was a landmark to every sailor and was considered the
largest tree on the Island of Manhattan.
In 1819 Rufus King, whose son, James Gore King, had married
Archibald Gracie's daughter, acquired the Gracie Mansion, and he in turn sold
it shortly afterwards to Joseph Foulke in whose possession it remained until
his death in 1852. Tile following year his heirs divided the property into
lots for sale and the house and land passed Through many hands until in 1891
the City condemned it for a park. It formed the northern boundary of East End
Park and a new name was given it, "Carl Schurz Park."
*** *** ***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Wednesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 January 7, 1942
Bids were opened today by the Department of Parks at the Arsenal
Building in Central Park on a contract for the construction of a traffic
divider on the Interboro Parkway and Grand Central Parkway in the Borough of
Queens.
This safety device, which will be installed along the center line
of the parkways, will provide a physical barrier between opposite moving
vehicles. Motorists should be cautioned however that it will not prevent
cross-over of uncontrolled cars at high speed. The problems of designing this
special center curb involved existing narrow rights-of-way between walls and
under bridges which would not permit the widening of the pavement in
preparation for the installation of a typical dividing mall. It was necessary
to keep the width of the curb to a minimum which in turn controlled its height
to prevent the scraping of bumpers and mudguards. For aesthetic reasons also
it would not be desirable to erect high solid barriers. The new curb consists
of a reinforced concrete section 20 inches wide and 14 inches high above the
pavement. It will be poured in place in a channel 3 inches deep and 20 inches
wide which will be cut along the center line of the existing pavement. Curved
side walls will blend with the parkway surface thus permitting cars travelling
at reasonable speed and direction to climb safely to the continuous circular
bumper rail which will force the wheels to return to the pavement.
The new divider will connect with a similar installation
constructed in 1940 at the western end of the Interboro Parkway in the Cypress
Hills Cemetery section. It will extend easterly with branches throughout the
Connecting Loop at Kew Gardens and along the Grand Central Parkway to the
Nassau County Line, a distance of approximately seven miles.
In order to maintain a safe flow of traffic during construction,
the first item of work will be the painting of new white traffic lane
markers. The exit roadway from Grand Central Parkway to Queens Boulevard will
be widened and approximately 1,000 lineal feet of wrought iron fence installed
on each side of the Interboro Parkway at Queens Boulevard.
The contract, which must be completed in six months, also
includes the removal and replacing of concrete curbing, concrete and
bituminous sidewalk, stripping and spreading topsoil, transplanting trees and
shrubs and alterations to drainage structures.
The three lowest bids were submitted by the following:
1. Harris Grand $146,564.00
888 Montgomery St., Brooklyn, N.Y.
2. Gould & Kress 158,325.00
342 Madison Ave., Smithtown, L.I.
3. Melwood Construction Corporation 159,782.50
507 Fifth Ave., New York City
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Tuesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 January 6, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the completion of a
reconstructed one half acre playground located at the east end of the block,
formed by 78th Street, 79th Street, 63th Road and 69th Avenue in Middle
Village, Queens.
The old development consisted of a dirt surfaced area enclosed
by 8 foot high chain link fencing, a few pieces of play apparatus and a
handball court with wooden backstop. The reconstruction provided for
resurfacing the playground with asphalt to provide for all year usage and
setting the existing boundary fence on a special concrete curb varying in
height up to three feet. The purpose of the new wall which extends around the
playground was to permit the grading of level play surfaces. A single gate
controlled stairway entrance provides access from 79th Street.
The project included the installation of new facilities and the
relocation of existing facilities as follows:
Brick comfort station
Free play area
Relocation of 2 practice basketball standards
New double handball court enclosed by 16 foot
high chain link fencing
Kindergarten Apparatus Area
Existing battery of swings protected by new
4 foot high chain link fencing
Relocation of 4 seesaws
One new slide
School-Age Apparatus Area
Relocation of a battery of swings protected
by new 4 foot high chain link fencing
Two new slides
Relocation of pipe frame exercise unit
A five foot tree planted border of block paving extends around
three sides of the playground along the new wall. The existing concrete
boundary walks were widened and a border of block paving installed along the
property line.
The work was performed by the Work Projects Administration
from plans prepared by the Department of Parks. In 1934 there were 119
playgrounds in the five boroughs, 63 of which have been reconstructed. There
are now 463 playgrounds in the park system.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Monday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 January 5, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the completion and opening of
a new three acre playground located on the north side of Shore Parkway at the
end of 17 Avenue on Gravesend Bay in the Borough of Brooklyn. The property was
acquired by condemnation in connection with the extension of Shore Parkway to
provide something for the neighborhood in connection with the arterial
improvement. This new recreational area serves the residents of the thickly
populated section of Bensonhurst north of Cropsey Avenue.
Located on a knoll on the center line of 17 Avenue extended is
a semi-circular overlook sitting area commanding an unobstructed view over
Gravesend Bay and the Lower New York Bay. A concrete ramp skirts the brick
surfaced retaining wall which supports the overlook and connects with a 30
foot wide tree and bench lined mall. This sitting area and pedestrian
connection leads to the footbridge over the parkway and divides the playground
into two fence enclosed play areas.
The smaller western section which is subdivided into six use
areas by fencing, benches or tree planted block paved malls, contains the
following facilities: brick comfort station, shower basin, irrigated sand pit
and sitting area, swings, slides, seesaws and play houses for pre-school
children; a pipe frame exercise unit, swings and slides for older children;
and paddle tennis, shuffleboard and horseshoe pitching courts in the court
games area.
East of the dividing mall is a grass surfaced softball diamond
with hooded backstop. The northern half of this section contains two concrete
surfaced handball courts and two basketball courts.
In addition to these facilities which were constructed by the
Work Projects Administration from Department of Parks' plans the following
miscellaneous items were included in the improvement: 5 drinking fountains,
flagpole in overlook area, park lighting and drainage, 44 Oriental Plane
trees, 53 Norway maples, 1350 Japanese Honeysuckle for slope protection and 7
Boston Ivy on the brick comfort station.
In 1934 there were 119 playgrounds in the five boroughs; 62 of
which have been reconstructed. There are now with this addition 453
playgrounds in the park system.
* * *
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7/1 66 9 more Name Ban Orchestras July 2 - 14, sponsored by Con Ed
7/2 67 Summer schedule for outdoor swimming pools
7/3 68 Independence Day Program track and field championships
7/6 69 61 concerts to be sponsored by Pepsi-Cola Company
7/7 70 Athletic fields to be open for candidates for Police exam.
7/10 71 Horse shoe pitching tournament at Heckscher Playground, Central Park
7/10 72 3 new playgrounds opened in Queens
7/14 73 Con Edison sponsors concerts and dances with name band orchestras
July 15 - 23
7/25 74 5 new playgrounds as part of 2 and a quarter mile development
from Owl's Head Park to Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn
7/28 75 Closing of Orchard Beach due to July 27 downpour
7/28 76 Swimming championship for men of 3rd naval district
7/30 77 3rd in series of 4 Naumberg Memorial concerts, July 31, on the Mall
8/4 78 New outdoor roller skating rink at Rockaway Beach
8/7 79 Municipal Tennis Championships in Central Park to start August 8
8/8 80 2 municipal golf championships on Split Rock Golf Course, Bronx,
on Aug 9
8/21 81 Annual Swimming championship at Flushing Meadow Amphitheatre
8/22 82 Finals in Boys and Mens' Division of Municipal Tennis championship
in Central Park
8/22 83 Municipal Golf Championships at Split Rock Golf Course rained out
8/8 to take place Aug. 23
8/26 84 Finals of Jacks Contest at Heckscher Playground, Central Park
8/26 85 Square Dancing at 105 St. and Riverside Playground
8/29 86 Harvest Dance contest for novices in all five boroughs
9/4 87 Robert Moses attacks Pierce Trowbridge Wetter for being
active in I.W.W. in 1924
9/4 88 Finals of Paddle Tennis Tournament in East River Park
9/6 89 17 outdoor swimming pools and 5 beaches closed on Sept. 7
9/6 90 Harvest dance contest eliminations announced
9/6 91 Last of Naumberg Memorial Concerts in Cental Park, Sept. 7
9/7 92 Completion of baseball field in four and a half acre plot at
West Farms Road and East Tremont Ave., Bronx
9/8 93 New St. playground to open and also dedication of memorial
flagpole at Park Avenue and Floyd St, Brooklyn
9/12 94 New playground to open on Central Avenue at 70 and 71 Sts. Queens
9/15 96 Closing date of Amateur Photo Contest on Sept. 19
9/15 97 Fall Harvests at 10 department children's gardens in 5 boroughs
9/16 1 and a quarter acre playground completed at Aberdeen Street near
Bushwick Avenue, Brooklyn
9/17 98 Postwar sewage disposal and future bathing beaches and
waterfronts at Coney Island, Riis Park, Rockaway Beach,
Orchard Beach, South Beach and Wolfe's Pont
9/18 99 Chess and checkers tournament in Heckscher Playground Sept 19 and 20
9/22 100 Harvest dance contest championship on Mall Central Park Sept 22
9/23 101 New playground at P.S. 35 at Summer Avenue, McDonough St,
Lewis Avenue and Decatur St., Brooklyn
9/27 102 Finals of Softball tournament at Macombs Dam Park, Bronx
10/1 103 Roller and ice skating rinks to open at City Building,
Flushing Meadow Park, Queens
10/2 104 Commemoration of opening of 21 playgrounds with special programs
10/9 105 Shuffleboard finals at North Meadow, Central Park Oct. 10
10/10 106 Marionette, Magic and Music Program in Mall, Central Park, Oct. 11
10/11 107 Recreation activities for Fall and Winter Season at
gymnasia, indoor pools and playgrounds
10/16 108 one acre playground opened at Park Avenue, Madison Avenue,
108 and 109 Sts, Manhattan
10/24 109 Winners announced at Amateur Photo Contest
10/27 100 Bids opened on reconstruction of seawall on Randall's Island
10/31 111 Closing of clay tennis courts Nov. 1
10/31 112 Commemoration of opening of 12 playgrounds with birthday party
programs.
10/31 113 Boxing exhibitions for Fall and Winter
11/7 1l4 Annual Fall Chrysanthemum show at Prospect Park Greenhouse 11/8
11/19 116 Baby aoudad born Central Park Nov. 17, 1942
11/19 116 New playground opened at Fulton and Truxton Streets, Brooklyn
11/20 117 Volleyball tournament for girls in Seward Park, Manhattan
11/25 118 New playground at East River Drive and 102 - 105 Streets, Manhattan
11/27 119 Finals Roller Hockey Tournament at 105 Street and Riverside Park
Manhattan 11/29
11/28 120 10 golf courses and the pitch and putt at Riis Park to close 11/29
11/30 121 Anniversary of 9 playgrounds to be celebrated with birthday party
programs
12/11 122 Ping Pong finals at Mullaly Recreation Bldg, the Bronx, 12/12
12/12 123 Thin ice warning to all to keep off ice of lakes and ponds
12/13 124 Christmas program of 26puppet and marionette shows depicting
"Hansel and Gretel"
12/18 125 254 park areas set aside for ice skating.
12/20 126 21 Christmas trees in parks Dec. 17
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NOTE: [items in brackets show handwritten corrections]
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Sunday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 December 10, 1942
The Park Department announces that ceremonies in connection with
twenty-one Christmas trees, which have been erected and decorated in parks
throughout the five boroughs, will take place on [Friday], December [17], at
5:00 p.m. A special program will be held at the principal trees in each
borough, which will be at City Hall Park, Manhattan; Borough Hall Park,
Brooklyn; Joyce Kilmer Park, The Bronx; Queensborough Hall, Kew Gardens,
Queens, and Borough Hall, Richmond.
At City Hall Park, the ceremonies will be broadcast over Station
WNYC. Mayor LaGuardia will deliver his annual Christmas message and [Captain
Goldrich's 4-year-old daugher] will throw the switch lighting the tree at 5:25
p.m., officially starting New York City's observance of the Christmas season.
Borough President Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. and Newbold Morris, President of the
Council, will also participate in the exercises. Selections will be played by
the Department of [Sanitation]'s Band and Christmas Carols will be sung.by the
Police Department's Glee Club, and the Boys Choir of Saint Cecilia's Church.
Borough Presidents Cashmore, Burke, Lyons, and Palma will light the trees in
their respective boroughs where exercises will be conducted under the
direction of the Borough Park Directors who have arranged appropriate
programs.
A special decorative scheme depicting the Three Wise Men
proceeding to the Star in the East, centered in a holly wreath ten feet in
diameter, will be erected over the main entrance of the Park Department
Headquarters at The Arsenal, Central Park.
[half a line crossed out] [The] trees will be lighted each evening
from whatever hour in the afternoon it is dark enough to make them effective
until [10 P.M.] Christmas trees have been erected at the following locations:
Manhattan:
City Hall Park
Conservatory Garden - 104 to 105 Streets and Fifth Avenue
Thomas Jefferson Park - First Avenue and 111 Street
Roosevelt Park - Forsyth and Canal Streets
Fort Tryon Park - Riverside Drive, Broadway and Dyckman Street
Carl Schurs Park - 85 Street and East End Avenue
Mt. Morris Park - Fifth Avenue and 124 Street
Bellevue Hospital - East River Drive and 26 Street
Bronx:
Joyce Kilmer Park - 161 Street and Grand Concourse
St. Mary's Park - St. Ann's Avenue and East 144 Street
St. Janes'Park - East 191 Street and Jerome Avenue
Brooklyn:
Borough Hall
Grand Army Plaza - Prospect Park
Leiv Eiriksson Park - 67 Street between 4th and 5th Avenues
McCarren Park - Driggs Avenue and Lorimer Street
Queens:
Queensbarough Hall - Kew Gardens
King Park - Jamaica Avenue and 151 Street
Flushing Park - Northern Boulevard and Main Street
Forest Park - Park Lane South and 108 Street
Highland Park - Jamaica Avenue and Elton Street
Richmond:
Borough Hall - Bay Street and Borough Place
As in former years there will also be a Christmas tree in
Flushing Meadow Park, Queens, located inside the City Building between the ice
and roller skating rinks.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 December 18, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that 254 park areas have been
set aside for ioe skating throughout the five boroughs. These facilities
consist of 27 lakes, 8 tennis court areas, 40 flooded areas and 130 wading
pools which will be opened for skating when the ice is thick enough to be
safe. Attached is a list of ice skating locations.
In addition, 32 hills in the various parks of the five boroughs
have been designated for coasting, together with 17 areas suitable for skiing.
The attached list given the location of these various areas.
In accordance with array dim-out regulations there will be no
floodlighting of any of these facilities. In general, lakes, ponds and large
flooded areas where park lighting is available will operate from 8 a.m. to
10:30 p.m. Where no lighting is available the facilities will be operated
during daylight hours except on bright moonlight nights.
In the event of snow, a contest in snow sculpture and snow
architecture will be held in the various play grounds in January.
Plans are underway to conduct Ice Skating Carnivals at the
following locations. Weather permitting, they have been tentatively scheduled
for the weekend of January 9 and 10.
Manhattan: Conservatory Lake, Central Park January 9
Brooklyn; Prospect Park Lake January 9
Queens: Victory Field January 10
Richmond: Clove Lake #2 January 10
Bronxs Van Cortlandt Park January 1ft
ATTACH
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
CITY OF NEK YORK
ICE SKATING AREAS
1942-43
MANHATTAN
Lakes 59 Street, lake, Central Park near Fifth Avenue
72 Street lake, West Drive, Central Park
Conservatory Lake, 72 Street and Fifth Avenue, Central Park
Belvedere Lake, 79 Street and Transverse Road, Central Park
Tennis Courts 93 Street and West Drive, Central Park
Flooded Areas East River Drive and Broome Street
Riverside Drive and 148 Street
Wading Pools Twenty-nine wading pools will be prepared for skating.
BROOKLYN
Prospect Park Lake
Tennis Courts Fort Greene Park, Myrtle Avenue and St. Edwards Street
Flooded Areas Bushwick Playground, Putnam & Knickerbocker Aves (ballfield)
Playground, Douglas and Third Avenue(soffball areas)
Gravesend Playground, 13 Avenue and 56 Street
Home crest Avenue and Belt Parkway Playground
Kelly Memorial Playground, East 14 St. & Avenue S(ballfield)
Lincoln Terrace Park, Buffalo & East New York Aves.(ballfield)
KcCarren Playground, Driggs Avenue & Lorimer Street
Playground, Ocean Parkway and Avenue P
Red Hook Recreation Center, Clinton, Bay & Henry Streets
Seth Low, Bay Parkway & Avenue P
Wading Pools Fifty-two wading pools will be prepared for skating
BRONX
Lakes Van Cortlandt Park, 242 Street, east of Broadway
Crotona Park, Crotona Park East and East 173 Street
Bronx Park Twin Lakes, north of Mosholu Pkwy, east of Webster
Tennis Courts St. James Park, Jerome Avenue and 192 Street
St. Mary's Park, Trinity Avenue and East 145 Street
Flooded Areas Pelham Park, Pelham Pkwy, Eastern Boulevard & Middletown Road
Pulaski Park, 133 Street and Willis Avenue
Playground, Waterbury, La Salle and Edison Avenues
Wading Pools Twelve wading pools will be prepared for ice skating
QUEENS
Lakes Alley Pond Park, Horace Harding Blvd & Douglaston Pkwy Hollis
Alley Pond Picnic Lake, Grand Central Pkwy, 233 Street, Hollis
Bowne Park Lake, 158 Street and 32 Avenue, Flushing
Baisley Park Lake, Sutphin Blvd, 125 St. opposite 153 Street
Brookville Park Lake, Brookville Blvd. & 143 Avenue, Rosedale
Crocheron Park Lake, 35 Avenue & 214 Place, Bayside
Jackson Pond, 108 Street & 30 Avenue, Richmond Kill
Kissena Park Lake, Oak Avenue & Kissena Blvd., Flushing
Linden Park Lake, 41 Avenue & 103 Street, Corona
Oakland Lake, Alley Pond, Kollis
Pea Pond, Hollis Court Blvd. & Grand Central Parkway, Hollis
Captain Tilly Park Lake, Highland Ave, 85 Ave, 165 St, Jamaica
Twin Ponds, Brookville Blvd., and Merrick Road, Rosedale
Tennis Courts Alley Pond Park, Grand Central Pkwy & Winchester Blvd., Hollis
Astoria Park, 25-21 Avenues, Astoria
Cunningham Park, Union Turnpike & 192 Street, Hollis
Wiyanda Park, Hollis Avenue & Springfield Blvd., Hollis
Flooded Areas Playground, Atlantic Ave & 88 St, Ozone Park, (softball field)
Playground, 95 Ave. & 125 St., Richmond Eill, (softball field)
Braddock Playground, Braddock Ave & 240 Street, Queens Village
Playground, Broadway & 78 St, Jackson Heights (roller skating)
Playground, Central Ave & 70 Street, Glendale (softball field)
Chisholm Park, Poppenhausen Ave. & 115 Street, College Poiaxt
Grover Cleveland Playground, Grandview Ave & Stanhope Street
Flushing Memorial Playground, 149 Street & 25 Avenue, Flushing
Glendale Playground, 74 Street & 78 Avenue
Corona 111 Street, 111 Street & 46 Avenue, Corona
Jackson Heights Playground, 84 St. & 30 Avenue
Playground, Jewel Avenue & Utopia Parkway (softball field)
Liberty Park, Liberty Ave & 172 St, Jamaica (paddle tennis)
Long Island City, 45 Avenue & 21 Street, (softball field)
Marconi Playground, 155 Street I, 108 Avenue, Jamaica
Maurice Playground, Maurice, Borden & 54 Avenue, Maspeth
O'Connell Playground, 196 Street & 113 Avenue, St. Albans
Parkway llorth Playground, 114 Street L 37 Avenue, Corona
Rockaway, Broadwalk & 80 Street
Riis Park, Neponsit (Parking Field)
Playground, 30.Koad & 45 Street, Astoria (softball field)
Victory Field, Woodhaven Blvd. r F.yrtle Avenue
Wading Pools Thirty-four wading pools will be prepared for ice-skating.
RICHMOND
Lakes Brooks Pond, Slooson Avenue off Clove Road
Clove Lakes $=2, Victory Boulevard
LaTourette Pond, Rockland Avenue & Forest Hill Road
?artlings Pond, Slosson Avenue & Clove Road
Willowbrook Lake, Richmond Avenue & Victory Boulevard
Wolfe's Pond Park, Holton L Cornelia Avenues
Flooded Areas Silver Lake Golf Course, Parking Area, Victory Boulevard
Wading Pools Four wading pools will be prepared for ice-skating.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
CITY OF NEW YORK
SKI LOCATIONS
1942 - 43
MANHATTAN
Central Park - Cedar Kill, 79 street f. East Drive
Burns Lawn, 79 Street I Test' Drive
BROOKLYN
Prospect Park - Lookout Hill, Southwest of Music Grove, Empire Boulevard
entrance
QUEENS
Dyker Beach Golf Course, 92 Street I Seventh Avenue
Clearview Golf Course fillets Pt.Blvd. Whitestone (where designated by
supervisor)
Crocheron Park, 35 Avenue & 214 Street, Bayside
Forest Park Golf Course, 3rd Tee, down to 2nd Fairway (for beginners)
and 4th Fairway for more experienced skiiers.
Kissena Park Golf Course, area designated by supervisor
Alley Pond Motor Parkway, From Horace Harding Blvd. to Alley Pond Park
BRONX
Van Cortlandt Golf Course, 18th Tee and Fairway
RICHMOND
Silver Lake Golf Course, Forest Avenue & Silver Lake Park Roadway
7th Fairway
LaTourette Golf Course, Rockland Avenue & Forest Hill Road
2nd, 14th, and 18th Fairways
COASTING LOCATIONS
MANHATTAN
Central Park - 83 Street & East Drive, Forth of Museum of Art
79 Street & East Drive (short run for small children).
Pilgrim Hill, southwest of Conservatory lake, 72 St & East Drive
Cedar Kill, 79 Street & East Drive
72 Street north of boathouse
60 Street & West Drive (near Heckschere Playground)
72 Street & West Drive
Burns Lawn, 79 Street & West Drive
72 Street & East Drive, southeast of Conservatory Lake
East Meadow, 99 Street off 5th Avenue
Henry Hudson Parkway, 83 Street East of Playground
108 Street
116 to 120 Streets
J. Hood Wright Park, section of hill located on Haven Avenue side of
park (west to east)
BROOKLYN
Prospect Park - Southwest of Music Grove (Lookout Hill), Empire Boulevard
entrance
Long Meadow, 3rd Street ft Prospect Park West entrance
Long Meadow North, on east drive, Main entrance
Maryland Monument Hill, 16 Street & Prospect Park West
entrance
Dyker Beach Golf Course, 92 Street c; Seventh Avenue
Owl's Head Park, Colonial Road & 67 Street
McKinley Park, Seventh Avenue h 75 Street
QUEENS
Alley Pond Motor Parkway, from Horace Harding Boulevard to Alley Pond Park
Chisholm Park, Poppenhausen Avenue & 115 Street, College Point
Clearview Golf Course, Villets Point Boulevard, Whitestone
Crocheron Park, 35 Avenue t 214 Place, Bayside
Forest Park Golf Course, old 18th Tee of Golf Course, Main Drive below
Golf House, near 82 Street, Voodhaven
Highland Park, Lower half of Snake Kill from turn to Jamaica Avenue,
opposite Elton Street, Brooklyn
Kissena Golf Course, area designated by supervisor
BRONX
Van Cortlandt Golf Course, 18th Tee and Fairway
Bronx River Parkway and East 226 Street
RICHMOND
Silver Lake Golf Course, Forest Avenue & Silver Lake Park Roadway
7th Fairway
LaTourette Golf Course, Rockland Avenue & Forest Eill Road
2nd, 14th & 18 Fairways
*** *** ***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Sunday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 December 13, 1942
The Department of Parks announces a Christmas program of playground
children's activities which will feature 26 puppet and marionette shows
depicting the famous fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel".
These shows will be given at 11 A.M. and 3:30 P.M., at centrally
located playgrounds in the five boroughs, beginning Tuesday, December 15, and
running through Thursday, December 31, in accordance with the attached
schedule. With five scenes in "Hansel and Gretel", the entire performance will
last approximately one hour.
In addition, 29 magic shows lasting one hour and including a variety
of magical tricks and hand puppetry will be given at other playgrounds in the
five boroughs, beginning Tuesday, December 15, and continuing through
Thursday, December 31.
Christmas trees will be provided for the various playgrounds where
there are recreation buildings. Many of the tree decorations have been made by
the children and Christmas parties have been planned for the youngsters,
including games, songs, refreshments and last but not least, a visit from
Santa Claus himself. The parties will be held at various times beginning
December 23 and continuing through December 31.
Attach.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CITY OF NEW YORK
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
SPECIAL HOLIDAY MARIONETTE PROGRAM
"HANSEL AND GRETAL"
in
Five Scenes
Characters - Father, Mother
Hansel, Gretel, Sandman,
Witch and Good Fairy
Richmond
Tuesday Dec. 15 - 3:30 p.m. - Joseph H. Lyons Recreation Center,
Murray Hulbert Avenue & Victory Blvd.,
Tompkinsville.
Wednesday Dec. 16 - 3:30 p.m. - Faber Park, Richmond Terrace,
Port Richmond
Queens
Thursday Dec, 17 - 11 a.m. - Astoria Play Center, 19 Street
opposite 23 Drive
3:30 p.m. - Same a s above
Friday Dec. 18 - 11:00 a.m.- Von Dohlen Playground,
138 St. & Archer Avenue
3:30 p.m. - Same s s above
Saturday Dec 19 - 11 a.m. - Raymond O'Connor Playground,
32-33 Avenue & 210 St.
3:30 p.m. - Flushing Memorial Playground,
Bayside Avenue & 25 Avenue at 149 Street
Manhattan
Monday Dec. 21 - 11 a.m. - Mt. Morris East, E. 120 St & Madison Ave
3:30 p.m. - Harlem Children's Center, 28 W. 134 St.
Tuesday Dec. 22 - 11 a.m. - Annunciation Playground,
135 St. & Amsterdam Ave
3:30 p.m. - Thomas Jefferson Recreation Center,
East 112 St. & First Avenue
Wednesday Dec. 23 - 11 a.m. - Gulick Playground,
Delancy, Broome, & Sheriff Sts.
3:30 p.m. - East River Drive, 11 St. & East River
Bronx
Thursday Dec. 24 - 11 a.m. - Mullaly Recreation Building,
162 Street & Jerome Avenue
3:30 p.m. - Same as above
Saturday Dec. 26 - 11 a.m. - Williamsbridge Playground,
East 208 Street & Bainbridge Avenue
3:30 p.m. - Same as above
Monday Dec. 28 - 11 a.m. - St. Mary's Park West,
East 146 St. & St. Ann's Ave.
3:30 p.m. - Same as above
Brooklyn
Tuesday Dec. 29 - 11 a.m. - Children's Museum
Brooklyn Avenue & Park Place
3:30 p.m. - Same as above
Wednesday Dec. 30 - 11 a.m. - Red Hook Housing Community Center,
110 W. 9 Street
3:30 p.m. - Same as above
Thursday Dec, 31 -
11 a.m. - Sunset Park Recreation Center
6 Ave. & 44 Street
3:30 p.m. - McLaughlin Playground
Bridge & Tillary Streets
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CITY OF NEW YORK
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
SFECIAL HOLIDAY PROGRAM
"Christmas is the time for cheer
So come ye children far and near
To music, magic and puppetry
Songs and fun prepared for thee."
***
BRONX
Tuesday Dec. 15 - 11:00 a.m. - St. Jsmes Playground, Jerome Ave, & 193 St
3:30 p.m. - Fort Four Playground Reservoir, Sedgwick &
Webb Avenues
Wednesday Dec, 16 - 11:00 a.m. - Williamsbridge Oval, E.208 St & Bainbridge Ave
3:30 p.m. - Zimmerman Playground, Olinville & Britton Ave
Thursday Dec. 17 - 11:00 a.m. - St. Mary's Park West, East 146 St & St. Ann
3:30 p.m. - Lyons Square Playground, Aldus Street,
Bryant and Whitlock Avenues
BROOKLYN
Friday Dec. 18 - 11:00 a.m. - Lindsay Playground, Lorimer St & Johnson Ave.
3:30 p.m. - Vandervoort & Cherry Street s Playground
Saturday Dec. 19 - 11:00 a.m. - Betsy Head Recreation Center,
Hopkinson & Dumont Avenues
2:00 p.m. - Bill Brown Playground, Bedford Ave, &. Ave. X
Monday Dec. 21 - 11:00 a.m. - Bay Parkway Playground, Bay Pkwy & Avenue P.
3:30 p.m. - James J. Byrne Playground, 3 St & 4 Avenue
MANHATTAN
Tuesday Dec. 22 - 11:00 a.m.. - J. Hood Wright Park,
West 173 St. & Ft. Washington Avenue
3:30 p.m. - Highbridge Recreation Center,
W. 173 Street & Amsterdam Avenue
Wednesday Dec. 23 - 11:00 a.m. - McCray Playground,
138 St. bet. 5th & Lenox Aves,
3:30 p.m. - Yorkville Playground, E. 101 Street & 2 Ave,
Thursday Dec, 24 - 11:00 a.m. - Sauer Playground, E.12 St, bet. Aves A & B
3:30 p.m. - Playground, 83 Roosevelt Street
4:30 p.m. - Downing Street Playground
RICHMOND
Saturday Dec. 26 - 11:00 a.m. - Joseph E. Lyons Recreation Center
Furray Hulbert Ave & Victory Blvd,
Tompkinsville
3:00 p.m. DeMatti Playground, Tompkins Avenue, Rosebank
Monday Dec. 28 - 11:00 a.m. - Levy Playground,
Jewett & Castleton Avenue, Port Richmond
3:00 p.m. - McDonald Playground,
near Broedwey & Forest Avenue, West Brighton
QUEENS
Tuesday Dec. 29 - 11:00 a.m. - Grover Cleveland Park,
Stanhope St., Grandview & Fair view Avenues
3:00 p.m. - Dry Harbor, 80 Street & Myrtle Avenue
Wednesday Dec. 30 - 11:00 a.m. - Playground, Corona Avenue & 102 Street
3:00 p.m. - Raymond O'Connor Playground,
32 Ave, & 210 Street
Thursday Dec. 31 - 11:00 a.m. - D. M, 0'Connell Playground,
113 Avenue & 196 Street
3:00 p.m. - Von Dohlen Playground, 138 Stree Y Archer Ave
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Saturday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 December 12, 1942
THIN ICE
With the advent of cold weather and ice skating, the Department of
Parks requests the cooperation of all parents, civic groups, schools and
others in cautioning children and instructing them in safety measures on ice.
The first cold snap always serves as an invitation to youngsters to
test thin and treacherous ice often with disastrous results.
The Park Department has posted all lakes and ponds under its
jurisdiction, with danger signs to warn children.
Once the ice is safe for skating the Park Department will announce
it in the daily papers.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 December 11, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the city-wide finals of the
ping pong tournament will take place at Mullaly Recreation Building, 162
Street and Jerome Avenue, Bronx, on Saturday, December 12, at 2:00 P.M.
Playground, district and borough eliminations have been going on for
five weeks. The competitors in this tournament have been divided into the
following age groups:
Junior - Children up to 14 years
Intermediate - Persons 14 to 18 years of age
Senior - Persons 18 years of age and older
Separate matches will be held for boys and girls in the respective
age classifications.
Prizes will consist of sweatshirts for the city champions and gold
pins for the runner-up in each division; silver pins will be awarded to the
borough winners.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 December 11, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the anniversary of the
official opening of nine Park Department playgrounds will be celebrated by the
children of these recreation areas during the month of December by
participating in specially prepared Birthday Party programs.
While the regular schedule of daily recreational activities,
including ping pong, paddle tennis, checkers, chess, group games, dramatics
and dancing, will not be changed, the day's program will feature events of a
patriotic and festive nature, such as: solo and community singing of the "Star
Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America", salute to the Flag, recitations,
concerts by junior orchestras, a junior commando exhibition and a variety of
birthday party games, with refreshments and prizes for the winners.
The December schedule for playground birthday celebrations is as
follows:
Time of
Borough Playground and Location Opened Celebration
Manhattan 82 Street & Riverside Drive Dec. 4, 1937 3:30 p.m.
Highbridge Park, Edgecomb Avenue Dec. 5, 1936 3:30 p.m.
& West 167 Street
Brooklyn Underhill & Prospect Avenues Dec. 3, 1938 3:30 p.n.
McLaughlin Park, Tillary & Jay Sts Dec. 11, 1936 3:30 p.m.
Heckscher Playground, Grove
Street & Yiilson Avenue Dec. 19, 1935 2:00 p.m.
Greenwood & Prospect Avenues
Dec. 19, 1935 3:00 p.m.
Bronx Watson, Gleason & Noble Avenues Dec. 4, 1939 4:00 p.m.
East 177 Street & Noble Avenue Dec. 4, 1939 4:00 p.m.
East 178 Street &. Cedar & Sedgwick Dec. 19, 1935 4:00 p.m.
Avenues
*** *** ***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Saturday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 November 28, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the closing of ten municipal golf
courses and the pitch and putt course at Jacob Riis Park, at the close of play
on Sunday, November 29th.
During the past season, more than 558,929 rounds were played over
the ten courses, and approximately 16,619 rounds were played on the prtch and
putt course. The courses were open to the members of the armed forces free of
charge and some 2,347 soldiers, sailors and marines took advantage of these
facilities.
The Park Department also announces that after November 29th and
through the winter months, it will not be necessary to have permits to play
tennis on the hard surface courts operated by the department, but players must
furnish their own tennis nets.
*** *** ***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 November 27, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the finals of the roller
Hockey Tournament for boys of Park playgrounds, who are under 19 years of age
will take place at 105 Street and Riverside Park, Manhattan, on Sunday,
November 29, at 2:30 P.M.
Interborough contests have been held during the past three weeks
and the teams representing Manhattan and Queens will participate in next
Sunday's contest to determine the city championship.
Sweatshirts will be awarded to the winning team and gold pins to
the runner-up. Silver pins will be given to the borough winners.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 November 27, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the opening of a new
playground en the west side of East River Drive between 104th Street and 105th
Street, Manhattan. Approximately l¼ acres in extent, the site is under the
jurisdiction of the New York City Housing Authority as part of the last River
Houses development. A former transfer of improved Department of Parks
property, a portion of which occupied the new playground site, was based on
the future development of a recreational area as part of the housing
development. This new facility is now available to the entire neighborhood as
well as the residents of the East River Houses.
The Housing Project made it necessary the to close 103rd Street
and 104th Street between 1st Avenue and last River Drive. The Housing
Authority constructed a low granite wall around three sides of the proposed
play area providing three entrance points. A seven foot wrought iron picket
fenee with gates has been set in a concrete foundation just inside the
existing granite wall and along the last River Drive sidewalk. A 40 foot wide
strip running east and west through the middle of the playground has been
paved with concrete but will be reserved, clear of obstruction, for a future
ramp approach to the proposed Wards Island footbridge. A comfort station will
be built in the playground under this approach.
The north half of the playground contains a concrete wading
pool, irrigated sand pit, sitting area, seesaws, slides, a battery of chair
swings; pipe frame exercise unit and a battery of swings.
The south end has been provided with court games including:
basketball, shuffleboard and paddle tennis courts.
The improvement which was constructed by the Work Projects
Administration from plans prepared by the Deparfenent of Parks also included a
drinking fountain, tool storage building, flag pole, drainage, irrigation and
lighting. In 1934 there were 119 playgrounds in the five boroughs, 66 of whieh
have been reconstructed. There are now with this new addition 485 playgrounds
in the park system.
* * *
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[PHOTOGRAPH OF PLAYGROUND]
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 November 20, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the Volleyball
Tournament for girls of the Park playgrounds, who have not reached their
seventeenth year, will take place Saturday, November El, at 2:00 P.M. in
Seward Park, East Broadway and Canal Street, New York City.
Interborough contests have been held during the past three
weeks, and the teams representing Brooklyn and the Bronx will participate in
next Saturdays match to determine the city championship.
Sweat shirts will be awarded to the members of the winning
team and gold pins to the runner-up. Borough winners will be awarded silver
pins.
* * * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Thursday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 November 19, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the opening of a new
playground at Fulton and Truxton Streets, Brooklyn. This property slightly
over three and a half acres, divided into two sections by Sackman Street, is
bounded by Eastern Parkway, Fulton Street, Truxton Street and Van Sinderen
Avenue, Originally acquired by the Board of Transportation for subway purposes
it was transferred in 1940 to the Department of Parks. Restrictions were
placed on construction because of the existing subway.
The Board of Transportation, in connection with the building
of a subway entrance, has provided concrete retaining walls around the larger
easterly section coordinating this work with the Department of Parks
playground plans.
The development of the smaller triangle between Eastern
Parkway and Sackman Street now open to the public, includes retaining walls
and a stairway entrance; a sitting area with a memorial flagpole, a roller
skating track; a comfort station; a sand pit, wading pool and several pieces
of kindergarten play apparatus.
The large triangle east of Sackman Street when completed will
contain two basketball, six shuffleboard, three paddle tennis, three handball,
two bocci, and four horseshoe courts, and a sitting area near the subway
entrance. A large central open play area will serve for roller skating and
softball.
The construction of the playground was done by the Work
Projects Administration from plans prepared by the Department of Parks. In
1934 there were 119 playgrounds in the five boroughs, 66 of which have been
reconstructed. There tre now with this new addition 484 playgrounds in the
park system.
***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Thursday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 November 19, 1942
1
The Depaxtment of Parks announces the birth in the Central Park
Zoo of a baby Aoudad on November 17, 1942 at 5:30 P.M.
The new arrival, weighing six pounds, is the second offspring
this year of Bill and Tuts. The father was purchased from the Mesker Zoo,
Evansville, Indiana, August 28, 1940, and the mother, Tuts, was donated by the
New York Zoological Society, April 28, 1930,
The baby is on exhibition.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Saturday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 November 7, 1942
The Park Department announces that the Annual Fall Chrysanthemum
Show in the Prospect Park Brooklyn Greenhouse will open on Sunday, November 8,
1942, at 10 A.M.
The Greenhouse is located at Prospect Park West and Ninth Street,
Brooklyn, and may be reached by way of the I.R.T. Subway, Grand Army Plaza
Station; the Independent Subway, Seventh Avenue Station; and by the Vanderbilt
and Smith Street car lines, Ninth Street stop, or by automobile direct to the
Greenhouse by way of the east drive in Prospect Park.
The Exhibit will be open every day from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. for
three weeks and the Park Department extends a cordial invitation to view the
display.
More than four thousand pots of chrysanthemums will be on
exhibition. The ground bed is laid out in groups of various formations with
the popular large bloom varieties in all shades of pink, yellow, red and
bronze. Some of the attractive plants are the Pocketts, Turners, John S. Bush,
Rise of Day and the Melba. Surrounding this feature of the display, banked on
the sides of the Greenhouse are numerous smaller size chrysanthemums in 75
varieties, such as the Pompons, the Anemone and the Single Daisy type.
In the class of varieties in all shades of bronze, red, yellow and
white, some of the outstanding chrysanthemums to be exhibited are the Crimson
Bed, Purple Queen, Red Rover, Orchid Beauty, Cleopatra and New York.
* * *
Press photographers may take pictures on Friday, November 6, between 1 and 4
P.M. and Saturday, November 7, between 10 A.M, and 4 P.M.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Saturday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 October 31, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that a program of Boxing
Exhibitions nas been planned for the fall and Winter season according to
the following schedule:
November 13 - Colonial Play Center, 153 St. & Bradhurst Ave., Manhattan
(Intra-playground exhibition)
November 20 - McCarren Play Center vs Faber Play Center at
Faber Play Center, Richmond Terrace, Port Richmond, S.I.
November 27 - East 54 Street Gym vs Crotona Play Center at
Mullaly Playground, 161 Street & Jerome Ave,, Bronx
December 4 - West 28 Street Gym vs Colonial Play Center at
West 28 Street Gym, 407 West 28 Street, Manhattan
December 11 - Crotona Play Center vs Thomas Jefferson Play Center at
Thomas Jefferson Play Center, East 111 St. & First Ave., Man.
December 11 - Colonial Play Center vs Carlton YMCA, Brooklyn at
Colonial Play Center, 153 Street &, Bradhurst Avenue, Man.
December 18 - Astoria Play Center vs McCarren Play Center at
McCarron Play Center, Driggs Ave. & Lorimar St., Brooklyn
January 3 - East 54 Street Gym vs Astoria Play Center at
Astoria Play Center, 19 Street opposite 23 Drive, Queens
All the exhibitions will start promptly at 8J30 P.M.
These schedules are a part of a boxing program for young men
conducted at the above listed gymnasiums.
The boxing is under the stipervision of Park personnel who
have had training in the art of self-defense.
The program includes calisthenics, gymnastics, track
athletics and the various styles of boxing. Boxing gloves, punching bags,
skipping ropes, mats are provided by the Park Department at all locations.
* * * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Saturday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 October 31, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the anniversary of the
official opening of 12 Park Department playgrounds will be celebrated by the
children of these recreation areas during the month of November by
participating in specially prepared Birthday Party programs.
While the regular schedule of daily recreational activities,
including ping pong, paddle tennis, checkers, chess, group games, dramatics
and basketball will not be changed, the day's program will feature events of
both a patriotic and festive nature such as: solo and community singing of the
"Star Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America1*, salute to the Flag,
recitations and a variety of birthday party games, with refreshments and
prizes for the winners.
The November schedule for playground birthday celebrations is
as follows:
MANHATTAN
Chelsea Roof Plgd., 9 Ave. & West 27 St. Nov. 27, 1937 3:30 P.M.
Harlem Housing, W. 150 St. & Harlem River Nov. 28, 1937 2:30 P.M.
BROOKLYN
Playground a t Neptune Ave. & West 28 St. Nov. 7, 1936 11:00 A.M.
Shiplacoff Plgd., Pitkin Ave. & Powell St. Nov. ll, 1937 11:30 A.M.
Playground at Marion St. & Hopkinson Ave. Nov. 24, 1933 4:00 P.M.
BRONX
Playground at East 183 St. & Ryer Avenue Nov. 11, 1936 2:00 P.M.
Devoe Park, University Ave. & West 188 St. Nov. 22, 1935 4:00 P.M.
QUEENS
Playground at 95 Avenue & 125 Street Nov. 1, 1939 2:00 P.M.
Maurice Plgd. , Borden, Maurice & 54 Aves. Nov. 3, 1940 3:00 P.M.
Flushing Memorial Plgd , Bayside Ave. Nov. 9, 1934 11:00 A.M.
& 25 Avenue
Corona 102 Street Playground Nov. 12, 1934 3:00 P.M.
O'Connor Playground, 32 Ave. & 210 St. Nov. 22, 1935 3:00 P.M.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Saturday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 October 31, 1942
The Department of Paries announces the closing of the clay tennis
courts on Sunday night, November 1, 1942.
The hard surface courts will remain open until November 29th. After
that date, players who bring their own equipment including nets, will be
permitted to use these courts free of charge.
During the 1942 season, 14,345 players took advantage of the 525
courts scattered throughout the five boroughs by paying the $3.00 seasonal
permit fee.
* * *
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[MAP: PLAYGROUNDS & ACCESS ROADS AT HEMPSTEAD AVE & BELT PKWY QUEENS 10/31/42]
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Tuesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 October 27, 1942
Bids were opened today by the Department of Parks at tiie
Arsenal Building in Central Paris: on a contract for the reconstruction of the
stone seawall along the south and west shore of Randall's Island, Borough of
Manhattan.
The old wall is approximately one mile long and extends from
the Manhattan approach of the Triborough Bridge to the south end of the island
at Hellgate Bridge. Short sections of the wall are completely washed out and
the entire profile is irregular from stones being dislodged into the river.
This condition in addition to exposing the earth to erosion presents an
unsightly appearance from East River Drive on the opposite side of the Harlem
River.
The contract provides for new construction and rebuilding the
dry masonry wall to a smooth profile following the contours of the island.
Grass lawns will be developed adjacent to the wall on new fill and sections
of the marginal park walk will be repaved.
The three lowest bids were submitted by the following:
1. Nicholas DiMenna & Sons $22,330.00
1525 Blonde11 Avenue
New York City
2. Albert G. Maclnnis 24,990.00
15 Park Row
Hew York City
3. F.P.S. Contracting Co., Inc. 28,185.00
2861 Coddington Avenue
Bronx, New York
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Saturday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 October 24, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that out of 180 pictures in
the Amateur Photo Contest conducted by the Park Department, the following were
adjudged the winners.
Junior Division - (up to 16 years of age)
1st Place - "Sunday Artist" by Martin Kleinman, Age 14 years
1932 East 13 Street, Brooklyn
2nd Place - "Slide Susan Slide" by Gladys Klein, Age 12 years
1699 last 2 Street, Brooklyn
3rd Place - "For Defense" by Emanuel Turner,. Ag© 15 years
1055 Walton Avenue, Bronx
Honorable Mention was given to the following contestants:
Paul Hoffman, 1945 East 32 Street, Brooklyn
George Horn, 1401 Avenue S, Brooklyn
Senior Division - (over 16 years of age)
1st Place - "Ball In The Air" by Mrs. E. J. O'Connor
86 East End Avenue, Manhattan
2nd Place - "Girl Feeding A Pigeon" by Jack Garber
308 East 5 Street, Brooklyn
3rd Place - "Steeplechase Winner" by John P. Connolly
34 Hillside Avenue, Manhattan
Honorable Mention was given to the following contestants:
Morton Bernstein, 1752 Monroe Avenue, Bronx
John P. Connolly, 34 Hillside Avenue, Manhattan
Percy J. Hussakof, 380 Knickerbocker Avenue, Brooklyn
Mrs. John J. Tehan,. 1503 Metropolitan Avenue, N. Y. C.
Florence Ward, 238 Madison Avenue, Manhattan
The prizes consist of the following:
First Place in each division - flO in War Savings Stamps
Second Place in each division- $5 in War Savings Stamps
Third Place in each division - $3 in War Savings Stamps
Certificates of Merit will be awarded to the contestants receiving
honorable mention.
The judges of the contest were: Paul J. Wolf, Paul Schum, Joseph
Cormier and B. V. Smith.
All the prize pictures, together with those credited with honorable
mention, will be on display in the American Museum of Natural History, 79
Street and Central Park West, Manhattan, beginning October 22 and continuing
through Saturday, October 31, from 10 A.M. to 5.P.M. with the exception of
Sunday, October 25, when the hours will be from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M.
Presentation of prizes to the winning competitors will take place on
Sunday, October 25, at 3:30 P.M. at the Museum of Natural History.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 October 16, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the opening of a new one
acre playground in Manhattan located in the eastern half of the block bounded
by Park Avenue, Madison Avenue, East 108th Street and East 109th Street,
The entire block was acquired by the City in 1941 for a
school site and playground. Clearing the densely built up area of old four
and five story brick and brownstone dwellings was started in September of last
year. All buildings on the western half of the block were demolished by the
Board of Education in preparation for the future construction of a public
school. The school site has been leveled and surfaced with a mixture of sand
and cinders.
The shortage of critical war materials which became acute
after the construction of the playground was started made it necessary to omit
temporarily all chain link fencing and metal goal standards and also prevented
the completion of the brick comfort station. Because of the lack of bituminous
material, concrete in various finishes was substituted for surfacing the play
areas.
The following facilities have been completed: four handball
courts, three shuffleboard courts and a softball diamond.
Paved areas for volleyball and basketball have been provided
but will be used for open play until equipment is available.
New concrete sidewalks and street trees have been installed
around the playground but only a few of the required number of benches have
been provided.
Although the playground lacks necessary equipment it will
serve in part the local recreational needs until material is available at the
conclusion of the war.
The construction of the playground was done by the Work
Projects Administration from plans prepared by the Department of Parks. In
1934 there were 119 playgrounds in the five boroughs, 66 of which have been
reconstructed. There are now with this new addition 483 playgrounds in the
park system.
* * * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Sunday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 October 11, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that a comprehensive program
of recreational activities has been planned for the fall and winter seasons at
the various gymnasia, indoor pools, and playgrounds under its jurisdiction.
All the gymnasia have adequate shower and dressing facilities
and will be open from 2 P.M. to 10 P.M. daily with the exception of Cherry and
Oliver, which will operate from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. The program of activities
includes basketball, handball, shuffleboard, volleyball, badminton, ping pong,
track, gymnastics, group games, magic demonstrations, puppet and marionette
shows, club meetings, roller skating carnival, roller hockey tournament and
calisthenics.
Boxing will be conducted at seven designated Park Department
indoor Recreation areas.
The various gymnasia are located as follows:
Borough Gymnasia and Locations
Manhattan Carmine Street, Carmine and Tarick Streets
Rutgers Place - 5 Rutgers Place
Baruch - Rivington and Mangin Streets
West 134 Street - 35 West 134 Street
East 54 Street - 342 East 54 Street
West 60 Street, West 60 Street, between 10 and 11 Avenues
West 28 Street - 407 West 28 Street
Cherry & Oliver - Cherry and Oliver Streets
Brooklyn President Street - President Street and 4 Avenue
Hichmond Cromwell Center - Victory Boulevard & Murray Ilulbert Avenue
Tompkinsville, Staten Island
Faber Park Recreation Building - Richmond Terrace at
Faber Street, Port Richmond, Staten Island
Basketball teams, desiring to use these gymnasia, are requested
to apply for the necessary permit to the Borough Director at the following
locations:
Manhattan -
Philip J. Cruise, Arsenal Building, 64 Street & 5 Avenue, Central Park
Brooklyn -
Richard C. Jenkins, Litchfield Mansion, Prospect Park West and 5 Street,
Prospect Park
Richmond -
A. M. Anderson, Clove Lakes Park, 1150 Clove Road, West New Brighton,S.I.
Indoor swimming pools, which may be used free of charge, are located
in each of the gymnasium buildings, in the borough of Manhattan, with the
exception of the one located at Cherry and Oliver Streets. In addition, there
is a Park Department indoor pool at 23 Street and Avenue A, opened from 11
A.M. to 7 P.M. and one at Bedford and Metropolitan Avenues, Brooklyn,
operating from 3 P.M. to 10 P.M. daily and 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. on Saturdays.
Swimming classes are conducted for beginners at all these pools. At
various intervals throughout the fall and winter seasons, swimming tournaments
will be held for all age groups.
Twelve of the outdoor pools have been converted into active play
areas. These play centers are free to the public and are open from 2 P.M. to
10 P.M. daily except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays when the hours of
operation will be from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. Facilities will be provided for
paddle tennis, basketball, shuffleboard, softball and various group games.
* * * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Saturday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 October 10, 1942
Department of Parks announces that a holiday program of
Marionettes, Magic and Music for children will be presented on the Mall, 72
Street and Center Drive, Central Park, Manhattan, Sunday, October 11, at 2
P.M. In case of rain, the performance will be given on Monday, October 12.
The main feature of the program will be "Peter and the
Pirates", a marionette show. In addition, there will be clown acts, magic, a
bag punching demonstration, a mock operetta, band selections and
ventriloquism.
These performances will serve as a climax for the series of
open air demonstrations given by these special groups in the parks and
playgrounds throughout the past season, to an audience of approximately
180,000 children. Besides the entertainment value of such demonstrations, the
children have been instructed in the art of carving, moulding and costuming
puppets from discarded stockings, rubber balls, and paper bags, as well as
learning the technique of many magical tricks.
Arrangements are being made for a series of indoor puppet,
marionette and magic shows at designated recreation buildings for the
remainder of the year.
* * * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 October 9, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the city-wide finals
of the shuffleboard tournament will be held at North Meadow, 97 Street
and East Drive, Central Park, Manhattan, on Saturday, October 10 at
2:00 P.M.
There will be two divisions, one for men and one for women.
The minimum age in both classifications is 18 years.
Playground, district and borough eliminations have been going
on for the past six weeks to select the champion in each borough to
compete for the city championship next Saturday afternoon.
Sweatshirts with the Park emblem, the sycamore leaf, will be
awarded to the winner in each division. Gold pins will be given to the
runner-up and silver pins to the borough finalists.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 October 2, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the children of twenty-one
Park playgrounds will participate in specially arranged programs of
recreational activities during the month of October, in commemoration of the
official opening of these play areas to the public.
In addition to the usual activities such as basketball, volleyball,
handball, shuffleboard, football and roller skating, there will be a variety
of special events consisting of novelty races, singing of community and
patriotic songs, birthday party games, salute to the flag, Junior Commando
Specialty, square dancing, instrumental and vocal selections.
The October schedule for playground birthday celebrations is as
follows:
Playground & Location Opened Celebration
Manhattan
Heckscher Playground, Central Park, October 4, 1936 3:00 P.M.
62 Street & West Drive
Playground at Essex & Houston Streets October 5, 1934 3:30 P.M.
Columbus Playground, Baxter & Worth October IS, 1934 4:00 P.M.
Streets
Colonial Playground, Bradhurst Ave. October 16, 1936 3:00 P.M.
and West 153 Street
Lillian D. Wald Playground, Cherry, October 18, 1934 3:30 P.M.
Monroe & G-ouverneur Streets
Gulick Playground, Delancey, Broome October 25, 1934 3:30 P.M.
& Sheriff Streets
Brooklyn
Playground at Gerittsen Avenue & October 2, 1936 3:30 P.M.
Avenue X
Carroll Playground, Smith & Carroll October 2, 1936 3:30 P.M.
Streets
Leiv Eiriksson Playground, 5 Avenue October 12, 1934 2:00 P.M.
& 66 Street
Bill Brown Memorial Playground, October 14, 1935 3:30 P.M.
Bedford Avenue & Avenue X
Crispus Attucks Playground, Fulton October 26, 1934 2:00 P.M.
Street & Classon Avenue
Taaffe Place Playground, Myrtle October 28, 1934 3:30 P.M.
Avenue & Taaffe Place
Williamsburg Housing Playground, October 29, 1937 4:00 P.M.
Manhattan Ave. & Scholes Street
Playground at Dahill & 38 Street October 29, 1937 4:00 P.M.
Queens
Baisley Park Playground, 116 Avenue October 19, 1940 3:30 P.M.
& 155 Street
Thompson Hill Playground, Greenpoint October 25, 1937 2:00 P.M.
Avenue & 47 Avenue
Bronx
Pulaski Playground, East 133 Street October 11, 1939 4:00 P.M.
& Willis Avenue
Pelham Bay Park Playground, #1 & #2 October 11, 1941 3:30 P.M.
Eastern Blvd., & Willow Lane
Playground at East 164 Street & October 14, 1935 3:30 P.M.
Teasdale Place
Fort #4 Playground, Sedgwick and October 14, 1934 3:30 P.M.
Reservoir Avenues
Playground at Spofford Avenue and October 14, 1935 3:30 P.M.
Faile Street
* * *
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[TWO MAPS SHOWING NEW PLAYGROUNDS AND BALL FIELDS IN QUEENS, HEMPSTEAD AVE.]
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Thursday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 October 1, 1942
The Department of Parka announces that both the roller and ice
skating rinks at the City Building in Flushing Meadow Park, Queens, will open
for the 1942-43 season on Friday, October 2, at 8:00 P.M.
Admission on the opening night will be free. There will be
entertainment with exhibitions of dancing, roller skating and ice skating,
free public dancing and free roller and ice skating until midnight. Music for
the occasion will be provided by "The Soiling Styles" of Reggie Childs and His
Orchestra featuring Loretta Vale and Paul Carley, furnished through the
courtesy of the Consolidated Edison Company.
The program is as follows:
Organ Music
Call to Colors
National Anthem and Raising of Flag
Public Dancing
Dance Exhibition by
Park Department Harvest Dance Festival
1942 All-Round Champions
Park Department Harvest Dance Festival
1942 Jitterbug Champions
Solo and Pair Roller Skating Exhibitions by
National Champions
Solo and Pair Ice Skating Exhibitions by
National Figure Skating Champions
Ice and Roller Skating
Since the rinks closed last spring the roller floor has
been resurfaced and other alterations made so that skating may be enjoyed at
its best.
Starting Saturday, October 3, the building will be operated on the
following schedule: Free morning sessions for children under fourteen years of
age, on Saturdays, school vacation days and holidays except Christmas day,
from 9:30 to 12 noon; afternoon sessions, admission 20¢ including tax, on
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 2 to 5 P.M. and also on week days from
2:30 to 5:30 P.M.; evening sessions, 7:30 to 11 P.M., admission 40¢
including tax.
Ice skates can be rented at a charge of 50¢, roller skates are
issued free of charge. General admission for spectators to the building is
9¢ for children under twelve years of age and lie" including tax for all
others. There will be a special speed ice skating session every Saturday
evening from 5:15 to 6 P.M. with the regular admission of 400. There is no
additional charge for checking clothes.
Excellent eating facilities are provided at reasonable prices for
the convenience of the patrons. There is also private dining room space on the
balcony overlooking the skating rink where special banquet parties may be
conducted by organizations and groups.
In accordance with the department's policy established early this
year admission to members of the Allied Forces in uniform will be free.
The building may be reached via the following transit lines:
IRT, BMT subways to 111th Street, Corona Station. Pedestrian,
walk to the building.
Independent lines to Grand Avenue Station, Flushing Ridgewood
trolley to Horace Earding Boulevard and Grand Central Parkway.
Pedestrian walk to the building.
Free automobile parking space is provided adjacent to the
building.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Sunday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 September 27, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the city-wide finals in the
Softball tournament for girls 16 years of age and older and men over 21 years
will take place at Macombs Dam Park, Bronx, on Sunday, September 27, according
to the following schedule.
In the girls event the borough of Richmond will play Bronx
at 12 noon.
Simultaneously, in the men's division, the winning team from
Richmond will play that of Brooklyn. The winner of this semi-final
game will play the team from the Bronx to decide the city championship
at 2:00 p.m.
Sweatshirts bearing the sycamore leaf emblem of the Park Department
will be awarded the members of the winning team and gold pins to the losers.
Silver pins will be given to the borough winners.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Wednesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 September 23, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the completion and opening to
the public of a new playground adjacent to Public School Number 35 located
in the middle of the block, bounded by Sumner Avenue, McDonough Street,
Lewis Avenue and Decatur Street, Brooklyn.
The site was acquired in July of 1941 by the Board of Estimate for
school and playground purposes. During school hours the playground will be
operated by the Board of Education and at all other times by the Department
of Parks for general community use.
In preparation for the playground, 18 two and three family buildings
had to be demolished. The playground, approximately 200 feet square, lies
immediately west of the existing school which will be considerably expanded
after the war. Access to the facility is controlled by three gates, one
leading to the school and one each to McDonough and Decatur Streets.
A softball field with hooded backstop, one basketball court with
removable standards, two practice basketball standards and four handball
courts have been provided.
The construction of the playground was done by the Work Projects
Administration from plans prepared by the Department of Parks. In 1934 there
were 119 playgrounds in the five boroughs, 66 of which have been
reconstructed. There are now with this new addition 482 playgrounds in the
park system.
* * * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Tuesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 September 22, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the first city-wide
championship in the Harvest Dance Contest will be held on the Mall, Central
Park, 72nd Street and Center Drive, Tuesday, September 22, at 8:30 P.M. In
the event of rain, the contest will be held at the same location on the
following night.
On the judges stand will be the following personages well known
in the field of dancing: Arthur Murray, director of the Arthur Murray School
of Dancing; Oscar Duryea, director of the Duryea Dancing Studios; Donald
Sawyer, director of the Sawyer studios; Florence Doughty, director of the
Florence Doughty Dance Studios and Lawrence A. Hostetler, Author of "The Art
of Social Dancing" and faculty member of New York University. Also present as
invited guests and Honorary Judges will be Mayor LaGuardia, Al Smith, Park
Commissioner Robert Moses, Floyd L. Carlisle, Chairman of the Board of
Consolidated Edison Company, Clarence L. Law, Vice-President, Consolidated
Edison Company, Rear Admiral 1. J. Marquart, U. S. N., Commandant, 3rd Naval
District, and Major General T. A. Terry, U. S. A., Commanding General, 2nd
Corps Area.
During the past two weeks, the preliminary competitions were held
in each of the five boroughs. Large audiences turned out to witness the
terpschorean art in all its forms and expressions. The devotees of the waltz
and the fox trot were hard pressed for audience interest by the up and going
jitterbugs. The judges of the respective borough contests, after much
deliberation, decided that ninaty-five couples qualified for the city-wide
finals on September 22. This selection was predicated on a comprehensive
variety of factors, including posture and appearance, tempo and rhythm, proper
execution and variety.
Throughout the preliminaries, two items of unusual interest have
been: the special division for the men of the Armed Forces, and the Old Timers
Waltz, whose finalists will appear on this same evening.
Each couple will be permitted to demonstrate its ability in a
limited period of time, and will be adjudged according to the Olympic Scoring
System.
Handsome prizes of substantial value will be awarded to each
contestant who attains first place in each of the five classifications. In
addition, there will be a trophy for the best all 'round dancing team.
Dick Rogers and his orchestra will officiate for the evening with
Sid Garris acting as Master of Ceremonies. To add to the evening's
entertainment, Mr. Fred Carattini and Miss Bessie Larotonda, the winners of
the recent Daily News Harvest Moon Ball, will give a demonstration of their
technique which merited them first place.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 September 18, 1942
the Department of Parks announces that the City-wide finals
of the chess and checkers tournament will take place at Heckscher Playground,
Central Park, on Saturday, September 19. The junior group, consisting of boys
and girls who have not reached their 17th birthday, will begin at 11
a«m. The two remaining groups of contestants, ranging from 17 to 50, and
those over fifty, will play at 2 p.m. Chess finals will be held at the same
location on Sunday, September 20, at 10 a.m.
Each borough has been conducting preliminary matches in each
of those divisions for the past three weeks to determine its two best players
for the City-wide finals.
Gold and silver pins will be awarded to the first and second
place winners in each division at the finals. Bronze pins will be given to
borough winners.
*** *** ***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Thursday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 September 17, 1942
POST-WAR SEWAGE DISPOSAL
FUTURE BATHING BEACHES AND
OTHER PARK WATERFRONT IMPROVEMENTS
The City now has twelve miles of public bathing beaches
located at Coney Island, Brooklynj Jacob Riis Park and Rockaway Beach, Queens;
Orchard Beach, Bronx; and South Beach and Wolfe's Pond, Richmond. Each year
these beaches receive increasingly heavy use and it is generally recognized
that in years to come they will be inadequate.
The water at these beaches has been affected little, if
any, by the sewage pollution of the City's bounding waters. There was a time
when safety of the water at Coney Island was seriously jeopardized, but this
condition was remedied in 1935 by the construction of the first unit of the
Coney Island disposal plant and will be entirely corrected upon the completion
of the present program. There had been some slight pollution of the waters at
Orchard Beach by the sewers at City Island, but the plant on Hart's Island
started treatment of this sewage a few days ago, so that now there is no
danger from pollution of the waters at any of the public beaches.
There are still many miles of undeveloped beach frontage in
park areas which will be suitable for public bathing when pollution, brought
about by the indifference of former administrations, has been removed. Much of
this additional beach area is more readily accessible to congested
neighborhoods, and when developed will make bathing available to thousands of
people who are unable to use existing beaches.
With the exception of the Coney Island and Hart's Island
plants, the sewage disposal systems already in operation have had little
effect on the condition of water at the established beaches. The other plants
at Ward's Island, Bowery Bay, and Tallman's Island were intended primarily to
clean up the indescribably filthy condition of the waters in the heart of the
City.
The post-war program of construction of public improvements
contemplates the completion of almost the entire sewage disposal system in the
City. Some of the additional plants are under construction and will be in
partial or complete operation even before the end of the war, although only
contracts presently in force can be completed because of priorities and other
conditions incident to the war effort.
Along the north shore of Jamaica Bay there are three miles
of publicly owned beach. Taking advantage of the clean-up of the waters of
Jamaica Bay, the development of the upland area between Spring Creek Basin and
Fresh Creek Basin, and the construction of a bathing beach at Canarsie Park,
will be the first major step toward the development of Jamaica Bay for
recreation purposes. The development of the upland areas will provide picnic
grounds, parking fields and game areas, while the construction of a beach at
Canarsie will provide the first bathing beach in these waters. This beach
will form a part of the development of Canarsie Park, which is already
partially completed. The Jamaica disposal plant now under construction,
located at the head of Bergen Basin, will be completed and placed in operation
this year. The 26th Ward plant, just east of Canarsie, is under construction
but cannot be completed until after the war. It is expected, however, to bo
placed in partial operation next year. The immediate operation of these plants
will partially clear up the pollution of Jamaica Bay, but the complete
purification of the bathing area at Canarsie cannot be expected until after
the war, when the 26th lard Plant and the Rockaway Plant, to be built on Beach
Channel just east of Beach 116 Street, can be completed.
At Little Bay on the north shore of Queens, and at Ferry
Point Park in the Bronx, there are more waterfront areas which are planned for
bathing, to provide the additional facilities so badly needed in the Bronx and
relieve the pressure and crowds at Orchard Beach. On the opposite side of the
Bast River, south of Throgs Heck, Little Bay forms a natural location for a
bathing beach. This development is adjacent to the Cross Island Parkway and
the Clearview Golf Course. The purification of the waters at these beaches
depends upon the treatment of sewage coming from the northerly section of
Queens, east of Flushing. This requires the construction of an intercepting
sewer to carry the sewage to the Tallman's Island plant.
The balance of pollution in this area will be remedied by the
construction of the Hunts Point plant in the Bronx, which will serve the whole
east half of the Bronx. Plans are now being drawn for the construction of this
plant, but no construction can be undertaken until after the war.
The completion of construction of the Rockaway, 26th Ward, and
Hunts Point plants, and the north Queens intercepting sewer, will make safe
bathing conditions for an additional mile and one-half of public beach. In
general, it will take about two years for this construction, and one year
thereafter for pollution of the waters to eliminate itself. This means that
these beaches xd 11 be safe for public use within three years after the end of
the war.
At Dykers Beach it is not likely that the construction of the Owl's
Head plant will be sufficient to make the beach safe for bathing. The Passaic
Valley sewer outfall at Robbins Reef, in the center of the Upper Bay,
discharges 150 million gallons per day of partially treated sewage, which
undoubtedly will still be felt at Dyker Beach. This sewer is specifically
exempted from the jurisdiction of the Interstate Sanitation Commission. Some
years ago the City started legal action to clean up this condition, but the
case was thrown out of court because the City itself had accomplished little
or nothing in the purification of its own sewage. With this as a precedent, it
is apparent that the City must clean its own house before it can hope to force
the New Jersey communities to take the necessary action to clean up this last
major source of pollution of the City's recreational water frontage. However,
to supplement the existing swimming pools and to serve the crowded areas of
Dyker Heights and Bensonhurst, it is planned to construct a swimming pool in
Dyker Beach Park. Together with additional playground and recreation
facilities, this will complete the development of Dyker Beach Park, facilities
of which have recently been increased by the field sports and playground areas
along the Shore Parkway.
Besides these beach developments, there are other waterfront park
improvements under way or proposed. Sound View Park on the East River at the
mouth of the Bronx River, when completed, will not only be one of the most
intensively developed waterfront parks, but also an example of what can be
accomplished by regulated water and land fills jointly controlled by the
Departments of Sanitation and Parks. In addition to the general park areas for
passive recreation and the playgrounds and game areas on its borders, designed
for the use of the adjoining neighborhood, which includes the Clason Point
Houses development, it will be provided with two large field sports areas,
field houses, and ample provisions for spectators.
Filling of this park is now well under way. The bulkhead which will
border the waterfront promenade has nov; been completed and the Department of
Sanitation is rapidly filling the area.
In Bronx Park, north of the Botanical Garden, in the area now being
developed as a playground, we plan a swimming pool, provided proper
arrangements can be made with the New York Botanical Garden.
Hunter Island, one of the most intensively used picnic areas in the
City, is scheduled for improvement. This native woodland with its attractive
shore line will be developed with the proper facilities for handling even
larger numbers of picnickers. It will be provided with additional fireplaces
and tables, walks, sanitary facilities and concessions.
At Ward's Island, considerable progress has been made in the program
for clearing the island of the hospitals. A portion of the island has already
been developed and plans for a pedestrian bridge to connect with the upper
east side of Manhattan, have been drawn which will make the island readily
accessible to the most congested neighborhood in the City. Eventually, there
will be 207 acres of park recreation facilities available. The State post-war
program will provide hospitals which will permit the removal of patients from
Ward's Island and the completion of the park.
In order to provide additional recreation for the southeasterly
section of the Bronx, arrangements have been made to construct a pedestrian
overpass which will provide access to Randall's Island for those now living in
this section of the Bronx. It has been impossible to find areas of sufficient
size to provide field sports, but construction of this overpass across the
railroad and the Bronx Kills, will be an ideal solution.
At Inwood Hill Park, the development of one of the most picturesque
park sites in Manhattan has been substantially completed. A boat basin was
created by straightening theHarlem River Ship Canal and joining the resulting
island to Manhattan. A boat house and dock will be completed after the war.
Considerable progress has already been made in the conversion of
Flushing Meadow Park from a fair site to a park and recreation area, by
locating athletic fields and playgrounds for neighborhood use along the
boundaries. The next stage in the development will be the completion of the
portion west of Grand Central Parkway between Horace Harding Boulevard and the
Long Island Rail Road, and the development of additional areas in the vicinity
of the Amphitheatre, now a permanent outdoor swimming pool, and along Lawrence
and Rodman Streets.
The development of the tidal swamp at Alley Park east of the Belt
Parkway, will reclaim this area and provide recreational facilities, including
field sports, small playgrounds for local use, picnic areas, and continuation
of the Cross Island Parkway bicycle path. A part of the fill for this area has
already been placed.
With the completion of the development at Great Kills, Richmond, as a
boat basin, bathing beach, and recreation area, Marino Park will provide one
of the largest and most complete waterfront parks in the City. Several million
additional yards of fill will have to be placed by the Department of
Sanitation before other work can proceed. Meanwhile, funds have been provided
for contract plans which will bo ready to let at the end of the war.
For several years, the Park Department has requested funds for the
construction of additional facilities in Marine Park, Brooklyn, to supplement
playgrounds built by the WPA. Each year, Capital Budget request has been
denied. However, as part of the post-war program, funds have now been
provided to do extensive work in this large waterfront park, and an adequate
amount is available for detailed plans. In addition to the usual recreation
and park features, a boat basin, golf course, and additional picnic areas are
provided.
This post-war waterfront program, added to what has already been
done, will restore to public use New York's groatcst natural heritage.
*** *** ***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Wednesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 September 16, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the completion of work in
connection with the reconstruction of a 1¼ acre playground on the north
side of Aberdeen Street near Bushwick Avenue in the Borough of Brooklyn.
The Property was originally acquired by the City for subway
purposes to permit the installation of ventilating structures. The Department
of Parks was granted a permit in 1934 to develop the surface as a playground.
A circular wading pool and playground apparatus were installed in a fence
enclosed bituminous area built on two levels.
The current project for reconstruction just completed
included a brick comfort station, relocation of slides, swings and seesaws for
kindergarten and older children and a new irrigated sand pit. Repairs were
made to the existing chain link fence and new sections and gates were
added. The old benches were repaired and new ones installed.
The work of reconstruction which was done by the Work
Projects Administration from plans prepared by the Department of Parks also
included drainage, irrigation and lighting. In 1934 there were 119
playgrounds in the five boroughs, 66 of which have been reconstructed. There
are now 481 playgrounds in the park system.
*** *** ***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Tuesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 September 15, 1942
The Department of Parks announces, the beginning of the fall
harvests at the ten Park Department Children's Gardens in the five boroughs.
On Wednesday afternoon, September 16, at 4 p.m., the Seward Park Gardens will
hold its harvest.
Seward Park, at East Broadway and Canal Street, is on the lower east
side of the City, unlikely spot to see corn, beets, broom corn, and peanuts
growing. The crops to be harvested by the children from their individual 4' x
8' plots are: corn, beans, carrotss Swiss chard, beets, and kohlrabi.
The seeds, tools, and instruction in gardening are furnished by the
Department of Parks as part of its annual recreation program. Other small
plots were planted with flowers, cotton, peanuts, broom corn, and other
novelties.
Children from the garden club of the Educational Alliance will also
participate in the harvesting of the crops.
*** *** ***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Tuesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 September 15, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that entries for the Amateur
Photo Contest will be accepted until the closing date, September 19.
This contest, consisting of two divisions namely, children
through 16 years of age and persons 17 years and older, has for its subject
matter pictures showing recreational activities of children or adults in
playgrounds, parks, shimming pools, golf courses, tennis courts or zoos under
the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks.
Pictures submitted in the junior division need not be any
special size, but must be mounted. The senior division entries must be
8" x 10" and mounted on stiff cardboard.
When submitting entries the contestant should write his name,
age, address and location where the picture was taken, on the reverse side of
the mounting. All negatives should be kept available. Contestants may submit
not more than five pictures. The Department of Parks shall have the right to
reproduce any picture submitted for Park purposes. Suitable prizes will be
awarded in each group.
Entries may be submitted to:
Manhattan:
C. Stark, Supervisor of Recreation, 64 Street & Fifth Avenue, N.Y.C.
Brooklyn:
J. Downing, Supervisor of Recreation, Litchfield Mansion,
Prospect Park, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Bronx:
J. McCormack, Supervisor of Recreation,
Bronx Park East & Birchall Avenue, Bronx, N.Y.
Queens
J. Murray, Supervisor of Recreation, The Overlook, Kew Gardens, Queens
Richmond
Miss McEvoy, Supervisor of Recreation, Clove Lake Field House,
New Brighton, Staten Island
*** *** ***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Saturday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 September 12, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the completion and opening
to the public of a new playground on Central Avenue between 70th Street
and 71st Street, Queens.
A portion of this one acre rectangular plot was tranferred
from the Board of Education to the Department of Parks and rounded out
by the purchase of adjacent private property.
The outmoded school building and private residences on the
site were demolished to provide much needed recreational space for the
neighbor- hood.
The new development includes a brick comfort station, handball
and basketball courts, a softball diamond and a free play area. Swings,
slides, seasaws and a jungle jym have been installed for the children.
The entire area is enclosed and bordered by shade trees.
The work was performed by the Work Projects Administration
from plans prepared by the Department of Parks. In 1934 there were 119
playgrounds in the five boroughs, 65 of which have been reconstructed. There
are now with this new addition 481 playgrounds in the park system.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Tuesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 September 8, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the completion and opening of a
new playground and also the dedication of a memorial flagpole at Park Avenue
and Floyd Street, Brooklyn, on September 8 at 4:00p.m.
Mayor LaGuardia, Borough President Cashmore, Assemblyman Robert J.
Crews and Major Irving V. A. Huie, Work Projects Administrator for the City of
New York, will participate as speakers. Robert Moses, Commissioner of Parks,
will preside.
The one acre rectangular plot occupying a portion of the block
between Park Avenue and Floyd Street was acquired February 20, 1941 by
condemnation for playground purposes. It is located in one of the older
underprivileged neighborhoods where no recreational facilities were available.
Since the land for this playground was acquired, it has been
decided to establish one of the new state housing developments in this
neighborhood. As part of this plan, the new playground will be expanded so
that when the housing development is completed the playground will be twice as
large.
Eight three and four story frame residences had to be demolished
before work could start on the playground. The playground is built on two
levels with a connecting stairway and with entrance gates provided on Park and
Floyd Streets. It contains a brick comfort station, shuffleboard, basketball
and handball courts, a roller and ice skating area, a wading pool and play
apparatus.
The memorial flagpole which will be dedicated contains the
following inscription:
In Memory of
Private Samuel V. Crews
World War Veteran
Transportation Corps
Company 875
Samuel Crews was born April 30, 1887 and died July 13, 1929. He
was a member of the 47th New York Infantry Post No. 147 and a brother of John
R. Crews, Republican leader of Kings County and also of Robert J. Crows,
member of the New York State Assembly.
The work was performed by the Work Projects Administration from
plans prepared by the Department of Parks. In 1934 there were 119 playgrounds
in the five boroughs, 65 of which have been reconstructed. There are now with
this addition 480 playgrounds in the park system.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Monday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 September 7, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the completion of a regulation
size baseeball field on the 4½ acre park at the corner of Yifest Farms Road
and East Tremont Avenue, Borough of the Bronx.
This irregular shaped parcel, located in a bend of the Bronx
River was acquired by the city in August 1941 by foreclosure proceedings. It
Was then leased for parking purposes with a cancellation clause permitting
development for public purposes.
The property was assigned this summer to the Department of Parks
for recreational purposes. A work relief project was immediately engaged in
the clearance of the site including minor structures, and the salvage of
automobiles and an assortment of scrap materials.
This new park, which was opened to the public on Labor Day will
serve a section of the Bronx lacking adequate recreational facilities,
especially for baseball and other active games for older boys and adults. The
future development will include a field house, bleachers and boundary tree
planting.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Sunday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 September 6, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the last of a series of
four Naumburg Memorial concerts will be given on the Mall, Central Park, on
Labor Day, September 7, at 8:15 P.M.
This concert series is contributed by Mr. Walter W, Naumburg
and Mr. George W. Naumburg, in memory of their father, Elkan Naumburg, who
donated the bandstand on the Mall.
The concert will be given by the Naumburg orchestra, with
Victor Bay as conductor, and Private William Home as the tenor soloist. The
program will include various selections from such famous artists as:
Tschaikowsky, Liszt, Bizet, Moussorgsky and Weber,
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Sunday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 September 6, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the eliminations for
the Harvest Dance Contest will take place according to the following
schedule:
Brooklyn - Prospect Park, 11 Street & Prospect Park West
Tuesday, September 8, at 8 515 P.M.
Manhattan - Mall, Central Park, 72 Street & Central Park
Wednesday, September 9, at 8:15 P.M.
Bronx - Poe Park, 192 Street & Grand Concourse
Thursday, September 10 at 8:15 P.M.
The winners in those borough eliminations will be eligible to
compete in the finals to be held on the Mall, Central Park, on Tuesday,
September 22, at 8J15 P.M. Suitable prizes will be awarded to the borough
winners.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Sunday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 September 6, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the closing of the 17
outdoor swimming pools and 5 beaches under its jurisdiction on September 7,
1942. No charge will be made for parking facilities after that date at either
Jacob Riis Park or Orchard Beach. The Pitch Putt Golf Course at Jacob Riis
Park will remain open for play until November 30.
Immediately after closing, the following listed pools will be
converted into active play areas and reopened for use on Saturday,
September 12.
MANHATTAN
Hamilton Fish Pool - East Houston and Sheriff Streets
Colonial Pool - Bradhurst Avenue, West 145 and 147 Streets
Highbridge Pool - Amsterdam Avenue and 173 Street
Thomas Jefferson Pool - 111 to 114 Streets and First Avenue
BROOKLYN
Sunset Pool - 7th Avenue and 43 Street
McCarren Pool - Driggs Avenue and Lorimer Street
Red Hook Pool - Clinton, Bay and Henry Streets
Betsy Head Pool - Eopkinson, Dumont and Livonia Streets
BRONX
Crotona Pool - 173 Street and Fulton Avenue
QUEENS
Astoria Pool - 19 Street and 23 Drive
RICHMOND
Faber Pool - Faber St. between Richmond Terrace & Kill Van Kull
facilities will be provided for paddle tennis, shuffleboard,
basketball, soft ball and various group games. Leagues will be formed in
these sports and regular scheduled games will be held between the pool clubs.
These play centers will be opened free to the public from 2
P.M. until 10 P.M. daily except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays when the hours
of operation will be from 10 A.M. until 6 P.M.
During the season, now closing, 1,955,966 persons have availed
themselves of the swimming facilities provided by the 17 outdoor pools, of
these, 583,680 were children admitted during the free periods; 792,796 were
children who paid 9¢ and 533,274 were adults who paid 25¢
admission. 46,226 members of the armed forces were admitted free during the
season.
* * * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 September 4, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the city-wide finals of
the paddle tennis tournament for Park playground boys and girls will take
place at East River Park at 10 Street on Saturday, September 5, according to
the following schedule:
Girls Junior Division(14 to 17 years) - 11:00 A.M.
Girls Senior Division(18 years and older) - 2:00 P.M.
Boys Junior Division(14 to 17 years) - 11:00 A.M.
Boys Senior Division(18 years and older) - 2:00 P.M.
Mixed Doubles Junior Group - 11:00 A.M.
Mixed Doubles Senior Group - 2:00 P.M.
Gold pins will be awarded to the finalists in each division
and silver pins to the borough winners.
* * * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 September 4, 1942
With further reference to Pierce Trowbridge Wetter, his
lawyer, William Bradford Roulstone, and Battery Park.
I see that Wetter's counsel has had time to catch his
breath and to make some more mis-statements on behalf of his client.
We are now informed that Wetter was a young Quaker pacifist
who got into bad company in the last war which he opposed on conscientious
grounds. We are further informed that a wicked judge by the name of Landis
sent him up for five years for no good reasons, and that a number of
distinguished people, most of them now dead, subsequently gave Wetter a clean
bill of health.
This is a lovely story, but it happens not to be
true. Wetter was one of a gang of thugs and saboteurs who interfered with the
military and civil works of the United States in the World War, He was mixed
up with such pleasant little pacifists as Haywood and other I.W.W. leaders. He
did not have a single characteristic of a Quaker, and I never heard of a
Quaker behaving as he did.
The testimony at his trial covers many pages and is a public
record. The decision in the case was made not by a single judge but on appeal
in a review of the entire proceedings, by the U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Did Wetter behave like a Quaker after he got out? He did
not. Let me quote two short paragraphs from an article in the New York Times
of July 19, 1923, which will indicate that Wetter, then twenty-eight years
old, was not much of a patriot and upholder of American institutions: The
Times article was entitled "20,000 I.W.W.'s Move On Port Arthur, Texas." Here
are the quotations; "According to Pierce C. Wetter, 107 Bedford Avenue,
Brooklyn, who is one of the leaders here, about 200 members of the Marine
Transport Workers' branch have already started for the Texas town. Within a
few days, he said, a second call would be sent out which would call the
workers from the wheat fields of the Middle West. According to Wetter, 20,000
I.W.W.'s are expected to march on Port Arthur."
"The plan, according to Wetter, is to 'overrun the town'
with jobless I.W.W.'s and thus create a problem for the local authorities. At
the same time, resolutions of protest will be forwarded to the Mayor."
Does this end the record? By no means. Only a few weeks ago
Wetter was one of a group of people who made the wildest and most
irresponsible charges against the present Mayor of New York, presented them to
the Governor and asked that the Governor remove the Mayor. The Governor, of
course, promptly dismissed the charges as deserving no further action.
Mr. Roulstone uses some choice mixed metaphors about stabs
in the back, bricks back of the ear and hitting below the belt. It is obvious
that he knows little of sports and sportsmanship. When men of the Wetter type
gratuitously fling mud on honest and conscientious public officials and pick a
fight with them, they can't expect to get up a new set of rules which will
make them immune from a good public sock in the jaw.
/s/ ROBERT MOSES
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Saturday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 August 29, 1942
The Department of Parks announces a Harvest Dance Contest for
novice dance teams, open to all novice dancers who are at least 16 years of
age. The contest will consist of five separate divisions and teams may compete
in as many classifications as they choose. The five divisions will be the Fox
Trot, the Waltz, the Rhumba, Jitterbug, and Waltz for Old Timers. In the Waltz
Old Timers, the combined ages of the couple must total at least 75 years, but
the ages of the individuals will not be published.
Entries are being received at the five borough offices of the Park
Department, particularly from those dance areas that have enjoyed the
City-wide program of social dancing, which the Department of Parks has been
conducting in the parks of the five boroughs all summer.
Entries will close on September 5th, and must be in the borough
recreation offices of the Department of Parks, on or before that date.
Park Department Borough Offices:
MANHATTAN - Arsenal Building, 64 Street & Fifth Avenue
BROOKLYN - Litchfield Mansion, Prospect Park
BRONX - Bronx Park East & Birchall Avenue
QUEENS - The Overlook, Kew Gardens, Forest Park
RICHMOND - Clove Lakes, New .Brighton, Staten Island
No change in partners will be permitted after an application is
filed. Acrobatic, stunt, and trick novelty dances will be barred. Suitable
prizes will be awarded to borough winners, and to the City-wide winners in the
finals.
The following are the dates and locations of the elimination
contests in the respective boroughs:
BROOKLYN - Prospect Park - 11 Street & Prospect Park West
on Tuesday, September 8 at 8s15 p.m.
MANHATTAN - Mall, South of 72 Street, Central Park
on Weduesday, September 9,at 8:15 p.m.
BRONX - Poe Park - 192 Street & Grand Concourse
on Thursday, September 10,at 8:15 p.m.
QUEENS - Victory Field, Lyrtle Avenue & Woodhaven Blvd.,
Forest Park on Tuesday, September 15,at 8:15 p.m.
RICHMOND - McDonald Playground, Forest Avenue near Broadway.
West New Brighton on Wednesday, September 16, 8:15 p.m.
The winners in the borough eliminations will be eligible to compete
in the Finals to be held on the Mall, Central Park, Tuesday; September 22. at
8:15 p.m.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Wednesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 August 26, 1942
Among the many recreational activities of the Department of
Parks has been the square dancing at the 105th Street and Riverside
Playground. On every Wednesday evening from seven to nine, trained Park
Department personnel can be heard twanging - "Do Si Do Your Partner" and
"Allemande left with the lady on your left". The vigor with which the farmers
of Manhattan enter into the familiar patterns would put their country cousins
to shame. While several thousand less enterprising hayseeds clap their hands
in rhythm, forty square or more take the "Lady Round the Lady", and see "Their
Darling Nellie Home."
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Wednesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 August 26, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the city finals of the
Jacks Contest for girls will be played at Eeckscher Playground, Central Park,
on Wednesday, August 26, at 2:30 P.M.
The finalists will be chosen from two divisions. The first is
the "Midget" division, for girls up through nine years of age. The second
group is for girls from 10 to 15 years of age.
Eliminations have been taking place during the past
few weeks in the playgrounds throughout the five boroughs.
The best player is each division in each of the five boroughs
will compete on Wednesday for the title of "City Champion".
A gold pin will be awarded to the winner in each division,
and a silver pin to the runner-up. Bronze pins will be awarded to the borough
winners.
* *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Saturday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 August 22, 1942
The Women's and Junior Boy's Municipal Golf Championships
originally scheduled at the Split Rock Golf Course on Sunday, August 8, but
washed out due to heavy rain, will be held on Sunday, August 23. Due to the
condition of the Split Rock Course as a result of the repeated storms, the
tournaments have been moved to the Clearview course, Bayside, Queens.
Southpaw "Pat" Shanahan, winner of the women's title for the
past two years will defend her title against a field of 19 others in 36 holes
of medal play. Ten of the women taking part in this tournament are champions
on one of the ten Municipal Courses and the other ten are their
runners-up.
Among those who are expected to afford the greatest
competition for "Pat" Shanahan are Jean Stuhler, a Queens College freshman who
played number two position on the College Men's Golf Team: Annette Reyl,
former Municipal Champion from 1937 to 1939; Helen Gilligan, a sister alumnus
of "Pat's" from Hunter College whose 81 on the Dyker Beach Course gave her the
course title.
In the Junior Boy's Division Roger Shephard, the Silver Lake
Course champion, The Municipal Junior Title holder in 1940 and who tied for
second, four strokes behind the winner in 1941, is favored to regain his
Municipal Title. Shephard's team mate, Sven Martinson is expected to be the
former title holder's greatest opposition. John Goward, the Clsarview Champion
with the advantage of playing on his home course may prove to be a real
contender.
This tournament is a part of the Department of Parks Third
Annual Sports Tournament under the sponsorship of the Park Association of New
York City.
Immediately following the end of the matches, the champions
will be taken to the Flushing Meadow Amphitheatre in Flushing Meadow Park
where the New York State and Men's and Women's Swimming Championships will
take place, and receive their trophies.
*** *** ***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Saturday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 August 22, 1942
The final round in the Junior Boys Singles and the Men's Doubles
Divisions of the Municipal Tennis Championships will be held at the courts at
Central Park, 93rd Street and the West Drive on Saturday, August 22. On the
same day the semi-final round in the men*s singles-will start at 4:30
P.M. with the finals on Sunday at 2:00 P.M.
Ted Schein former N.Y.U. tennis captain, Manhattan Champion and
seeded number one will play the winner of the Al Doyle-George Lashley match.
Doyle, seeded number four was the former Queens title-holder.
In the lower half of the draw Vincent Paul, the Long Island and
%aeens titleist, who has taken part in all of the national tournaments this
season will play Don Hume of Brooklyn. Hume, former captain of Brooklyn
College seeded third, is expected to be a worthy opponent for Paul.
In the Junior Boys singles Harry Burdick, Brooklyn champion will
play Roy Weissman, the Manhattan king for the Municipal crown at 11 A.M. on
Saturday.
On Thursday evening Natasha Irwin, the perennial Bronx Champion
defeated Ester DeFarkas of Queens 6-4, 6-3 to enter the final round of the
women's singles. In the other half of the draw Virginia Burrell the recent
winner at the Manhattan crown will play Lucille Matlow for the right to play
in the finals.
The men's doubles division will have Ted Schein and Michael Kraft
play the winner of the Randy Rothstein and Bernard Levy VS Ralph Axelrod and
George Zito at 4:00 P.M. on Saturday.
The women's doubles have just reached the semi-final round with
Virginia Burrell and Mary Dene of Manhattan playing Lucille Matlow and
Margaret Neven also of Manhattan, while Natasha Irwin of the Bronx teams with
her 15 year old daughter Nina, to play Ester DeFarkas and Betty Waizman of
Queens. Both of these matches are scheduled at 3:30 P.M. Saturday and the
finals at 10t30 A.M. Sunday.
Immediately following the completion of the singles, Sunday
afternoon, the winnars and runner's-up will be taken to the Flushing Meadow
Amphitheatre, where the New York State A.A.U. men and women's championships
will take place, and receive their trophies.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 August 21, 1942
The greatest collection of swimming stars ever gathered in the
Metropolitan area will take part in the Department of Parks Annual Swimming
Championships this Saturday and Sunday at Flushing Meadow Amphitheatre,
Flushing Meadow Park, Queens. For the first time in the history of the State
Championships all of the men's and women's events will be held in the same
place. On the same day there will also be held the Tri-State championships for
members of the Y.M.C.A. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, the Military
Championships for members of, the Allied Armed Forces, the Municipal Employees
Championships and a series of events for novice boys and girls 17 and under.
The Women's State Championships will include a collection of
National, Junior National, State and Metropolitan Champions. Gloria Callen of
the Women's Swimming Association, national backstroke champion and holder of
over 31 national records for backstroke, will defend her state title in the
100 meter backstroke. In a special event, Miss Callen will attempt to better
her national record for the 50 meter backstroke which she set last year in the
same pool.
Anne Ross, representing the Dragon Club of Brooklyn, the
women's national one meter and three meter outdoor diving champion will
attempt to add the Hew York State title to her collection of
championships. Dot Williams of the Women's Swimming Association, #10 was
runner-up to Anne Ross for the women's national championship last week, will
defend her state title in the three meter event.
The team from the W.S.A. will defend their team title with
such national stars as Mildred O'Donnell, Marilyn Sahner, Betty Lawson, Rose
Anne Hamilton and Phoebe Rosen. The strongest competition that the W.S.A. will
have for tile team title will be the Dragon Club of Brooklyn, who will be
represented by such outstanding champions as Margaret Buda, Jean Dean, Phyllis
Smithwick, Catherine Sullivan, Korma Dean and Eileen Safarik together with
many others.
In the 100 meter breast stroke Lorraine Fisher, former
National Medley Queen and holder of over 26 national records will defend her
title. Florence Milligan of the Sholton Dolphins, Metropolitan broast stroke1
ohampion has also entered the 100 meter breast stroke championship.
Mike Priano, Flatbush Boys Club, national long distance
champion and recent winner of the national 300 meter medley relay
championship, has entered the Pentathlon. Last year Priano won the
Metropolitan Pantathlon championship.
The Dragon Club will try to dethrone the N.Y.A.C. as the
state title holder and have entered Authur Gatqabftll the defending champion
in the 100 meter backstroke and the senior Metropolitan 100 meter free style
champion, Arthur Andreson.
Lester Kaplan, former inter-collegiate and metropolitan breast
stroke title holder will wear the colors of the Dragon Club in the 200 meter
breast stroke championship.
The N.Y.A.C. will be well represented with former state, metropolitan
and inter-collegiate champion, Jack Smith who wi11 defend his title in the
three meter dive. Tom Finnerty, Parnell Callahan, John Sorman and James McNeil
will defend their state 300 meter medley and 400 meter free style relay
championship· In the military events members of the Coast Guard, Army, Navy
and Air Forces have placed men in the finals.
The Orange Y.M.C.A. winners of the Tri~State Championship for the
past two years are a heavy favorite to retain their title but they will find
plenty of opposition from a strong Bridgeport Y.M.C.A. team.
The Municipal Employees champions. Father Knickerbocker's Fire Eaters
are expected to dethrone the Police Department.
There will be no admission charge and arrangements have been made to
handle over 7,000 spectators.
Besides the swimming championships there will be a Pool Show and
special exhibition on Saturday and Sunday.
These swimming championships wi 11 bring to a close the Department
of Parks Third Annual Sports Tournament sponsored by the Park Association of
New York City. At the conclusion of the swimming events, the awards will be
presented to the winners of the Municipal Golf, Tennis and Swimming
Championships.
***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Saturday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 August 8, 1942
Split Rock Golf Course in the Bronx, m i l be the scene of two
Municipal Golf Championships on Sunday, August 9th. the Junior Boys will tee
off at 9 A.M. and the Women's Championship will start a half hour later.
These tournaments will really be tournaments of Champions with
the winner and runner-up in each course championship tournament playing
36 holes at medal play.
Miss Patricia Shanahan, the champion for the past two years,
will defend her title against a field of twenty of the best players from
the Municipal Courses. "Pat" as she is known by her associates, is the
only south paw in the tournament but can hit from the right side if she
finds it necessary.
Her 83 for 18 holes won the title at Mosholu for the fourth
year in a row.
"Pat's" quest for her third title will find a great deal of
opposition from sone of the new course champions as well as those who have
repeated. Jean Stuhler, an 18 year old Queens College lass, won the title at
Clearview with an 88 and deposed the defending champion, Annette Royl, who
scored an 89. Miss Reyl held the Municipal title in 1937, 1938, and
1939. Helen Gilligan, another collegian from Pat Shanahan's alumni, Hunter
College, shot an 81 to win at Dyker Beach, The lowest score turned in by any
of the City wide Course Champions in winning a Course Title, was that of the
Van Cortlandt titleist for the past three years, Adele Ernst, who shot a 71.
Some of New York's outstanding college freshman and P.S.A.L.
golfers will take part in the Junior Boys Championship.
Roger Shepbard, the Silver Lake Course Champion, the Municipal
Junior Title holder in 1940 and who tied for second, four strokes behind the
winner in 1941, is favored to regain his Municipal Title. Shepherd's team
mate, Sven Martinson is axpected to be the former title holder's greatest
opposition. Sol Hartnan, Captain of the New Utrecht High School's Golf Team,
who also doubles as captain of the Tennis Team, Cheer Leader and President of
the Arista Society, won the Dyker Beach title for his sooond year and should
find Split Rock to his liking.
Larry Morganstern, Mosholu Course Champion, Frank Harone a member
of Stuyvesant High School Golf Team and runner-up at Split Rock and Jack
Breakstone from Van Cortlandt, whose 71 was the lowest in the city, will
provide stiff competition throughout.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 August 7, 1942
Play in the Municipal Tennis Championships will start on
Saturday, August 8, at the Central Park courts, 93 Street and the West Drive.
Tournaments will be held to decide the champion in the junior boys' singles,
men's singles and doubles, and the women's singles and doubles divisions.
This tournament i s the culmination of a series of tournanents
held on 35 different, batteries of courts during the month of June. The
quarter-finalists in the local tournaments then played on selected courts in
each borough for the borough championships. The city-wide finalists are those
who reached the quarter-final round in their borough tournament. In all, over
2,500 public park players have competed in these tournaments.
Play will continue on Sunday with the semi-finals on Saturday,
August 15, and the finals Sunday afternoon, August 16.
The men's singles will have the runner-up in last year's play
and the present.Manhattan champion, Ted Schein, seeded number one. Second
seeded is Vincent Paul, the Long Island and Queens Public Park Tennis
titleist, who has been playing excellent tennis a l l season in national
tournaments, Don Hume, of Brooklyn, former Brooklyn College tennis captain and
holder of that borough's crown for a number of years, is seeded third. In
fourth position is Al Doyle , former Queens Public Park champion and finalist
this year wiifc Paul in the Queens championship.
In the women's ranks, top seeding went to the former National
Public Park champion and Municipal title holder for the past ten years, Helen
Germaine. Last month Miss Germaine won the New Jersey State Women's
championship. Betty Morris, colorful Bronx player, won the women's title in
that borough last week, and is seeded second. In winning the title, Betty
ended the eight year reign of Natasha Irwin who, as the result of that defeat,
was seeded third. Virginia Burrell, the former Manhattan title holder, is
seeded fourth.
The seeding in the junior boys division is made up of P.S.A.L. tennis
stars. Harry Burdick, Brooklyn champion is first, Jack Moltzer, Bronx
titleist, second, Bob Weissman, Manhattan king, third, and Ed Wilowski, Queens
title holder, is fourth.
The men's doubles is made up of many of those who are also performing
in the singles tournament. The Manhattan champion, Randy Eothstein and Lou
levy, drew first seeding as a result of their excellent playing this
season. Vincent Paul, teaming up with the former Municipal junior champion and
the present Eastern Scholastic titleist, Tom Burke, is seeded second. Arnold
Rubin and Milt Joseph from the Bronx are in the third seeded position,
followed by Ted Schein, a member of the 1941 Municipal doubles championships
team, who is coupled this year with Al Kahn.
The women's doubles will start on Saturday, August 15.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Tuesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 August 4, 1942
A new outdoor roller skating rink to accommodate 500 skaters has
been opened by the Department of Parks at Rockaway Beach, Located at 80th
Street and the Parkway it is adjacent to the boardwalk.
There is no charge for admission and anyone who has skates may
use the rink. For those who would like to rent skates the charge will be 10¢
for clamp skates and 25¢ for shoe skates.
Recorded music will continue throughout the day from
& public address system.
****
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Thursday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 July 30, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the third in a series of four
Naumberg Memorial concerts will be given on the Mall, Central Park, on Friday,
July 31, at 8:15 P. M.
This concert series is contributed by Mr. Walter W. Naumberg and
Mr. George W. Naumberg, in memory of their father Elkan Naumberg, who donated
the bandstand on the Mall.
The concert will be given by the Naumberg orchestra, with Pvt. John
Barnett as conductor, and Marjorie Fulton as the violin soloist. The program
will include various selections from such famous artists as: Gounod,
Rimsky-Korsakoff, Tschaikowsky, Auber and Dinicu Heifetz.
* * * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Tuesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 July 28, 1942
The Department of Parks will conduct a swimming championship
for the men in the Third Naval District at Red Hook Pool, Brooklyn, on
Tuesday, July 88, at 6:30 P. M.
Since the members of the Marine Corps and Coast Guard are under
the jurisdiction of the U. S. Navy it is expected that every event will be
keenly contested.
In between the various events there will be a pool show, and
selections from the U. S. Navy Band.
The water show will consist of a water ballet of twelve girls
and the Aquabats, a clown troupe from McCarren Pool, Brooklyn. Miss Gloria
Callen, world's backstroke record holder will attempt to better her own
American Record for the 100 yard backstroke and Lorraine Fisher, Marilyn
Sahner and Gloria Callen, all of the W.S.A., the present 150 medley relay
champions will also attempt to set a new American Standard for their
speciality. "Sherry" Gabrielson, age 3, who has been swimming since she 22
months old will give an exhibition and George Fissler, former U. S. Olympic
Swimming Champion will show the evolution of swimming.
Members of the U.S. Navy will demonstrate swimming aids used
during emergencies such as the practical use of life rafts and various types
of life preserver jackets, and the technique used when swimming with a surface
film of burning oil.
There will be no admission charge. Adequate seating has been
provided for spectators.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Tuesday Morning
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 July 28, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that due to the unusual downpour
Monday in the Bronx and West Chester Counties, it is necessary to close
Orchard Beach on Tuesday, July 28, to the public.
This time is required so that park forces can regrade the sand on the
beach which has been shifted around by the storm, drain off surface water,
pump and clean out the basement of the building, re-fire the hot water boilers
and repair electrical motors and pumps necessary for the operation of sewage
disposal.
All men and equipment at the department's command are being used to
get the facility ready for opening on Wednesday.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Saturday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 July 25, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the opening of five new
playgrounds constructed as part of the two and a quarter mile recreation
development from Owl's Head Park to Fort Hamilton along the Brooklyn shore of
the Narrows.
The playgrounds located between the old S&ore Road and the
Sfrore Parkway section of the Belt Parkway are at 79 Street, 83 Street, Ridge
Boulevard, 99 Street and 3rd Avenue.
Besides the children's playgrounds the entire development is
completed except for a few items of work delayed because of priorities.
Included are 3 comfort stations, 1 field house, 2 athletic fields, court
gansss area, bicycle paths, promenades along the upper level of Siore Road and
the lower level of the Belt Parkway. A portion of the park between Bay Ridge
Avenue and 72 Street was completed and opened to the public last summer. Here
is an excellent example of a parkway border turned into a shoestring park with
recreation facilities, pleasant vistas and offscapes.
Benches and drinking fountains and irrigated sandpits have been
placed along the promenades and in the play fields. Elms, Oaks, Planes,
Hawthornes, Flowering Crab Apples, Beach Plums, Sweet Ferns, Elderberries,
Bayberries, Sumacs and several varieties of bank binding roses have been used
in the landscaping.
Access to the waterfront promenades has been provided by
parkway grade separations at Bay Ridge and 4th Avenue and by pedestrian
bridges over the parkway at 80 and 92 Streets.
Because of a reduction in the budget of the number of temporary
playground directors, assistant gardeners and temporary attendants normally
hired each year to handle summer usage of playgrounds, parks and beaches,
these playgrounds will be opaned only from 10 A.M. to 8 P.M. Personnel to man
the facilities will be drawn from Marine, McCarren, Prospect, Owl's Head and
Sunset Parks and from the playgrounds at Neptune Avenue and West 25 Street,
New Utrecht Avenue and 70 Street, and Avenue Y and last 14 Street, thereby
causing a curtailment of the operating hours of these older areas.
The work was performed by the Work Projects Administration from
plans prepared by the Department of Parks. In 1934 there were 119 playgrounds
in the five boroughs, 65 of which have been reconstructed. There are now with
these five additions 479 playgrounds in the park system.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Tuesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 July 14, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the schedule of Name Band
orchestras for the period July 15-23, as a continuation of the series of 53
concerts and dances sponsored by the Consolidated Edison Company in
cooperation with the Park Department, in the promotion of its summer program
of music and social dancing, at various large parks and playgrounds throughout
the city.
Benny Goodman will open this period on Wednesday, July 15,
8:00-10:00 P.M., at the dance area in Prospect Park located at Prospect Park
West and 11 Street, and the program will be broadcast by the Municipal
Broadcasting Sation WNYC from 8:00-8:30 P.M.
Georgie Auld will appear at the following locations:
July 20 - McCarren Play Center, Lorimer Street and Driggs
Avenue, Brooklyn
July 21 - Van Cortlandt Park, 241 Street & Broadway, Bronx
July 23 - East River Park, East River Drive and Rivington
Street, Manhattan
Ray McKinley will play on July 16 at the playground located
at 30 Road & 45 Street, Queens; Benny Carter on July 17 at Claremont Park,
Clay Avenue near 170 Street, Bronx; and Hal Mclntyre, on July 22, at Jackson
Heights Playground, 25th Avenue and 84 Street, Queens.
All the orchestras will start playing at 8:30 P.M. and
continue until 10:30 P.M., with the exception of Benny Goodman's at Prospect
Park on July 15 which will start at 8:00 P.M. and continue until 10:00 P.M.
When the schedule of those Name Bands is completed, it will
mean that 21 of the Consolidated Edison series of 53 dances will have been
presented by orchestras of national reputation in the city's parks since June
16.
The schedule of other Name Bands in this series will be
announced as soon as the necessary arrangements have been completed.
* * * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 July 10, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the opening of three new
playgrounds in the borough of Queens.
At Far Rockaway Boulevard and Mott Avenue, the one quarter
acre parcel of land was transferred in 1940 from the Department of Public
Works to the Department of Parks for recreation purposes. Located between a
small public library and firehouse it was necessary to demolish a one-story
brick structure prior to the development of the playground.
An existing brick wall along the library property line was
retained. The remainder of the area is bordered by chain link fence and block
paved panels containing benches and trees. A single gate controlled entrance
provides access from Far Rockaway Boulevard.
The development includes kindergarten swings, slides, seesaws,
and an open play area which may be used for roller skating.
At Utopia Parkway and 73 Avenue, the property, triangular in
shape, was acquired for park purposes by condemnation of private property and
by transfer to the Department of Parks of an abandoned school site. The old
two story former school house was demolished and its former site converted
into a grass surfaced softball diamond. Also included in the improvement are
two basketball and two handball courts as well as fence enclosed play areas
for various age groups containing a wading pool and typical play apparatus, A
bench lined mall separates the active recreation area from the sitting area at
the narrow end of the park.
At 45 Avenue and 21 Street, the one and a half acre
rectangular plot extending from 45 Avenue to 45 Road was acquired in 1941 by
purchase and condemnation for recreational purposes.
A wide mall, lined with benches and trees in block paved
panels, divides the area into two main fence enclosed sections. Gate
controlled entrances are provided at each end of this mall leading to the
centrally located brick comfort station and plaza, From this point access is
provided to the various subdivisions of the playground.
East of the comfort station and centered, on the plaza a
World's Fair "Court of Communications" flagpole has been erected. A large
wading pool centered in the east half of the playground is flanked by
apparatus areas for kindergarten and school-age children.
The western half of the playground is a large bituminous
surfaced open play area designed for many uses including roller skating, ice
skating, basketball and other group games.
Because of a reduction in the budget of the number of
temporary playground directors, assistant gardeners and temporary attendants
normally hired each year to handle additional summer usage of playgrounds,
parks and beaches, these three areas will be opened only from 10 A.M. to 8
P.M. Personnel to man the areas will be drawn from Rockaway Beach, Jackson
Heights Playground and Cunningham Park thereby casuing a curtailment of the
operating hours of these older areas.
The work was performed by the Work Projects Administration from plans
prepared by the Department of Parks. In 1934 there were 119 playgrounds in
the five boroughs, 65 of which have been reconstructed. There are now with
these three additions 474 playgrounds in the park system.
* * * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 July 10, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the city-wide finals of
the horseshoe pitching tournament, singles and doubles, for boys and men, 17
years of age and over, will take place at Heckscher Playground, 62 Street and
West Drive, Central Park, on Saturday, July 11, at 2:00 P. M.
Several hundred have participated in the preliminaries,
conducted at the 459 horseshoe pitching courts of the Park De partment,
throughout the five boroughs, during the past three weeks.
Five doubles teams and five singles players, all of them winners
of their respective borough contests, will compete for the city-wide
championship next Saturday afternoon.
Gold and silver pins will be awarded to the 1st and
2nd place winners respectively, in both the singles and doubles.
* * * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Tuesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 July 7, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the following athletic
fields, with running tracks, are available from 9 A. M. to 9 P. M. daily, for
candidates preparing to take the physical test in connection with the Civil
Service examination for Policeman:
Manhattan - East River Park, 5 Street and East
River Drive
Brooklyn - Red Hook Stadium, Clinton, Bay and
Henry Streets
Queens - Jackson Heights Playground, 30th Avenue,
84 & 85 Streets
Bronx - Macombs Dam Park, 161 Street and
Ruppert Place
Richmond - Clove Lakes Park, Victory Boulevard
and Clove Road
Each of these fields has also been especially furnished with
dumb-bells, bar-bells, hurdles, barriers, vaulting, box and fence, in
accordance with specifications officially established by the Civil Service
Commission, for the examination. Of course, this equipment is likewise
available for those candidates during the same hours.
* * *
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Monday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 July 6, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that a series of 61 concerts by
the Pepsi-Cola Band under the sponsorship of the Pepsi-Cola Company in
cooperation with the Park Department, will be presented at various large parks
of the city, beginning with the first concert on Monday, July 6 at the Music
Grove, Prospect Park, and continuing until Tuesday, September 15, according to
the attached schedule.
Twenty of these concerts are listed for the Mall, Central Park,
Manhattan; nineteen at the Music Grove, Prospect Park, Brooklynj ten at Forest
Park Music Grove, Queens,and Poe Park, Bronx; and, two at Silver Lake Park,
.Richmond. They will start at 8:00 p.m. and last until 9:45 p.m. Admission is
free.
The 45 piece Pepsi-Cola Band is under the direction of John
Meiszner and it will be accompanied by prominent guest artists at various
concerts during the series.
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CITY OF NEW YORK
DEPARIMENT OF PARKS
PEPSI-COLA BAND CONCERTS
Mon. July 6 - Prospect Park Music Tue. Aug. 11 - Central Park Mall
Grove, Brooklyn
Tue. July 7 - Central Park Mall Wed. Aug. 12 - Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Wed. July 8 - Prospect Park Music Thu. Aug. 13 - Forest Park, Queens
Grove, Brooklyn
Thu. July 9 - Forest Park, Queens Sat. Aug. 15 - Central Park Mall
Sat. July 11 - Poe Park, Bronx Sun. Aug. 16 - Poe Park, Bronx
Mon. July 13 - Prospect Park Brooklyn Mon. Aug. 17 - Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Tue. July 14 - Forest Park Music Grove Tue. Aug. 18 - Central Park Mall
Wed. July 15 - Silver lake Park, S.I. Wed. Aug. 19 - Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Thu. July 16 - Central Park Mall Thu. Aug. 20 - Forest Park, Queens
Sat. July 18 - Poe Park, Bronx Fri. Aug, 21 - Central Park Mall
Mon. July 20 - Prospect Park, Brooklyn Sun. Aug. 23 - Poe Park, Bronx
Tue. July 21 - Central Park Mall Mon. Aug. 24 - Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Wed. July 22 - Prospect Park, Brooklyn Tue. Aug. 25 - Central Park Mall
Thu. July- 23 - Central Park Mall Wed. Aug. 26 - Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Fri. July 24 - Forest Park, Queens Thu. Aug. 27 - Forest Park, Queens
Sat. July 25 - Poe Park, Bronx Fri. Aug. 28 - Central Park Mall
Mon. July 27 - Prospect Park, Brooklyn Sun. Aug. 30 - Poe Park, Bronx
Tue. July 28 - Central Park Mall Mon. Aug. 31 - Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Wed. July 29 - Prospect Park, Brooklyn Tue. Sep. 1 - Central Park Mall
Thu. July 30 - Central Park Mall Wed. Sep. 2 - Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Mon. July 31 - Forest Park, Queens Thu. Sep. 3 - Forest Park, Queens
Sat. Aug. 1 - Central Park Mall Fri. Sep. 4 - Central Park Mall
Mon. Aug. 2 - Poe Park, Bronx Sun. Sep. 6 - Poe Park, Bronx
Mon. Aug, 3 - Prospect Park, Brooklyn Mon. Sep. 7 - Silver Lake Park, S.I.
Tue. Aug. 4 - Central Park Mall Tue. Sep. 8 - Central Park Mall
Wed. Aug. 5 - Prospect Park, Brooklyn Wed. Sep. 9 - Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Thu. Aug. 6 - Forest Park, Queens Thu. Sep. 10 - Forest Park, Queens
Sat. Aug. 8 - Central Park Mall Fri. Sep. 11 - Central Park Mall
Sun. Aug. 9 - Poe Park, Bronx Sun. Sep. 13 - Poe Park, Bronx
Mon, Aug. 10 - Prospect Park, Brooklyn Mon. Sep. 14 - Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Tue. Sep. 15 - Central Park Mall
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Friday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 July 3, 1942
The Department of Parks announces that the Independence Day
Program on Saturday, July 4, will be highlighted in the various boroughs by
borough-wide track and field championships, for playground boys and girls.
They are scheduled to take place at 2:00 p.m. at the following locations: 12
Manhattan, East River Park - Street & East River Drive
Brooklyn - Red Hook Stadium - Clinton, Bay, and Henry Streets
Bronx - Macombs Dam Park - 161 Street and Ruppert Place
Queens - Victory Field - Woodhaven Boulevard and Myrtle Avenue
It is expected that several hundred boys and girls of various
classifications, ranging from the 85 lb. to the unlimited class, will
participate in these meets.
All the competitors have demonstrated their superior athletic
ability by placing in the preliminaries oonducted in the various playgrounds
throughout the boroughs. In addition, they have been thoroughly trained in
the fine points of dashing, long distance running, baton passing, broad
jumping, and high jumping.
Prizes will be awarded to those who place 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in
each of the following events listed on the program.
Boys Events
85 lb. class 100 lb. class 120 lb. class
50 yd. Dash 60 yd. Dash 70 yd. Dash
Potato Race Running Broad Jump High Jump
Unlimited
100 yd. Dash
880 yd. Dash
880 yd. Relay
Girls Events
85 lb. class 110 lb. class Unlimited
40 yd. Dash 50 yd. Dash 60 yd. Dash
Potato Race
There will be two separate events for service men
including the 220 yard and 880 yard daah. Appropriate prizes will also be
awarded to those who place 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each of these events.
*** * ***
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Thursday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 July 2, 1942
The summer schedule of the Department of Parks outdoor
swimming pools will go into effect in 13 of the 17 pools today, when they will
close at 10 p.m.
The pools will be open at 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Monday through
Saturday, free for children under 14 years of age. During this period
instructions in swimming, diving and lifesaving will be carried on. Idults and
children may use the pools from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and
from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays and holidays, in all but the four pools
mentioned below. The charge for children 12 years and under is nine cents and
for adults, twenty-five cents.
The four pools operated at John Jay Park, Carmine Street,
60th Street, and 23rd Street will close at 8:30 p.m. due to lack of underwater
lighting and dim-out regulations.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
ARSENAL, CENTRAL PARK FOR RELEASE Wednesday
TEL. REGENT 4-1000 July 1, 1942
The Department of Parks announces the schedule of 9 more Name
Band Orchestras, which will play in various large parks and playgrounds of the
city, during the period of July 2-14, as part of the Consolidated Edison's
Summer Concert and Dance Program in cooperation with the Department of Parks.
Such popular danoe orchestras as that of Jimmy Eorsey, Charlie
Spivak, Dick Stabile, Van Alexander, Clyde Lucas, and Richard Himber are
included in this period.
On the Mall, Central Park, the following orchestras are
scheduled to play: Dick Stabile, with Gracie Barrie as vocalist, Thursday,
July 2; Clyde Lucas, Thursday, July 9; and Jimmy Dorsey, Tuesday, July 14,
At the Music Grove, Prospect Park, Brooklyn: Richard Himber,
Friday, July 5; and Van Alexander, Friday, July 10.
Clyde Lucas will also appear at the following locations:
Monday, July 6 - Chelsea Park Playground, 28 Street & 10 Avenue,
Manhattan
Tuesday, July 7 - Park Playground, Watson, Glaason & Noble
Avenues, Bronx
Wednesday, July 8 - Victory Field, Woodhaven Boulevard &
Myrtle Avenue, Queens
Charlie Spivak will make his first appearance in this series
of park dances on Monday, July 13, at Colonial Park, Bradhurst Avenue and West
153 Street, Manhattan.
All these dances will start at 8:30 P.M. and continue until
10:30 P.M.
When the schedule of these Name Bands is completed, it will
mean that 14 of a series of 53 concerts and dances will have been presented by
orchestras of national reputation in the city's parks, since June 16, under
the sponsorship of the Consolidated Edison Company.
The schedule of other Name Bands in this series will be
announced as soon as the necessary arrangements have been completed.
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