Penance tt o 2 Wi Reese alee RANT «GN - \ . 3 : LAWRENCE SUMMER RECREATION REPORTS Leen all Np arrestee ons Me PEEP PAL IN REASON AR AANA TEMES ER AE NCR HORE UMPIRE OO 98S II aed DG IE SE EN SRR ON Saran ee Pe Renae a Ole eet Re Me Rr wen esata en eA RIOR eon De aS ee ee EE ee ee Se ees) ree ar Deana seemed her Hohe west MAY I SAY: I have thoroly enjoyed directing Lawrence's recreation suednad this summer, Because I believe so strongly in the need of wholesome recreation—especially during war time, it has pleased me very much to realize that we have made some "recreatior. gains" with the three important ages: the children, the teen-age, and the adults. Under the prevailing conditions, I feel that the recreation program has been successful. It is my sincere hope that our experiment ve neighborhood nights has stin- ulated sufficient interest to carry on through the fall and winter, In my opinion it is imperative that as many teen-age wiavities as possible be contimed., Lawrence is one of the pioneers in this part of the country in the new type of recreation for all age groups, and . the foundation laid this summer has proven the need for such a program, I wish to express my gratitude for the loyal cooper— ation of my staff, the enthusiastic support of the community, and the splendid help given me by the Executive comnittee of the Recreation Council, Dorothy Jane Cannady CONTENTS I, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF RECREATION COUNCIL II, PLAYGROUND STAFF PERSONNEL 1. Leader's Reports 2, Leader's Comments: ‘3, Art Studio's Report Bo Budget b. Comment Playground Art Program 4. Playground Budget A. Donor's gifts IV. DIRECTOR'S REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Playground a Enrollment b. Equipment ¢, Recreation Institute d. Publicity 8. Staff f, Playground plans g. Bible school hs, Swimming classes i. Acknowledgments j. Round-Up 2, Peen-Age 3, Neighborhood Nights a, Leader's comments b; Suggestions et ADDRESS — -Glifford Dean, Council President - 1737 Miss. Mrs. F. T. Stockton, chm Ex, Comm, 720 Ind, Urs, Deal Six Dr. Bert Nash Mrs. Ivan Rowe Joie Stapleton Maud Blisworth Nes. We B. Sneegas Mr, Lloyd Houston Mrs. Guy Keeler Ex-Officio -memberst Rs 0. Burgert, chm. mayor's committee on recreation 1732 Miss. 725 Ohio 716 La, 1046 Vt. 2124 NH 1028 Ohio 925 Mass 1706 Ind. Dr, F. CG. Allen, director K. U. recreation OMMIT'TES OF LAVRENGE RECREATION COUNCIL - - 1943 PHONE 1812 2159 1895 2692 1528 L607" 2954, 1120-J 375 or 2558 2620-" Mre. Dorothy Jane Cannady, director Lawrence Recreation Ure, Mae Turner = 2244 Barker ~ Ph, 2256eM “PUBLICITY GHATRMAN 1943 ELAYGROUND STAFF NAME _ADDRESS _ PHONE ~ Woodlawn 509 Elm 714. Mrs. Irene Lafeyette Wren Apts, 2117 Mr. Leonard Wymore 220 N, 6th 3132-J Marion Wiley 219 N. 5th 2l171—W Becky Pickens 909 E. 13th 2259-—M Pinckney 810 W. 6th 706 Miss Mable Mallory 530 Ohio 1862--J Jeanne Cooper 1317 Mass. 1614 Barbara Richards 600 Maine 893—-W New York 936 New York 261 Miss LaVone J acobson Li2l Kentucky 3028-—J Pearl Leigh : 1700 La. 2199-J Darlene Howe 946 New Jersey 1737-R McAllaster 1428 R. I; 408 Miss Sue Todd 805 Ohio . 2742 Laurel Hessler 1713 Ala. 2697-R Jeannette Pollon 166) RK. I. 1971-R Lincoln 708 Elm 728 Miss Essie Anderson 233 N. 4th 1042-W Davida Jones 416 Michigan one Cordley 1837 Vermont “a3 Mrs, Ruth Wood ' 1644 N. He 1846-—W Jayne Johns 1846 Barker 2248 Sheila Wilder 112 A Haskell 2469 Georgia Peppercorn 1946 Barker 2559-W Itinerant Jy, High helpers Beverly Jane Dodds 903 Ala. 1239-W Betty Lou Stephenson 924 Ala. 2908 Volunteer Helpers; Julie Fox 1000 Ohio 1120-—M Mrs, G. 0. Dryden 420 Mo. 1811-R Mrs. Cora Hagen Jensen Apts. 2883 Staff Additions: | Charlene Starliper (4 wks) 821 N. Y. 2333—-W Julie Eschbaugh PCa wks ) 1529 Tenn. 3025-R Swimming & Teen—Age: Frances Davidson ~ ) 2303 Kathryn Schaake - (swimming & baseball) 1095 La Vone Jacobson 3028-—J Mrs. Dorothy Jane Cannady - High School Office - 3000 or 114g LINCOLN'S REPORT 1._Round~Yp Program: — The group entered as the plano played Home On The Range, and were seated in & semi-circle, _ Por the Rope Relay, two lines were formed and the leaders of each a was given a rope. On the signal, the leaders stepped over the rope Sanients on forwards and then passed the Tope over the head to the next child in line. When the rope arrived at the end of the line, the last menber of the team came to the front and passed the rope, The relay was won when the captains of the team returned to their original positions, For Rhythm Ropes (Record- "Pavanne") the children jumped and twirled their jumping ropes to the music, The group sang two choruses of dingle-Jangle, 2. Daily Programs— 3300-3210 ~ Assembly, Discussed activities for the day & made announcements, 3310 -3235 Primary group passed to their room and the assistant was in charge of their art, music and story telling. 3835-5:00 =. Primary playground activities | Intermediates se ' 3:003:10 -~ Assembly 3:10 — 3:35 - Intermediate art 3235-3845 —- Music a 3 3145-5300 ~ Out of door games, jo Staff meetings 3 held from 2310 to 2; 30 each day with assistant They (meetings) were helpful in clarifying playground plans and receiving suggestions from other workdrs, sembliest— See "Daily Program? 4e Popular games; _ Primary - Hip-scotch and jumping rope Intermediate — Baseball and tether ball _. LINCOLN'S REPORT cont, ae PLAYGROUND ENROLLMENT week pre-school primary | intermediate lst 7 a 2 | 15 3 20 : , 15 25 . a oe ee 2 oe Meo Mh = : “a+ + + 2nd 3rd 4th eS eee te ww Essie Anderson, leader WOODLAWN'S REPORT 1. Round-Up Program: "Galloping Horses" -— youngsters galloped in on stick horses and rode shout in a circle to the msic The Wild Rider - Schumann, The primary group did the singing game, "Oats, Peas, Beans." The intent ate nn did a stunty "The Old Ford," (4 passengers, 4 sien; i spare, 1 engine, etc, The parts were children, ) > Daily program schedule ; "Sunshiny Day" - Sibedula Primary: 3:00 ~ — Gym or outside 3:20 ~ ~Quiet Period & Music listening, 3230 — — Story or Art 4:90 - ~ Qutside At45 ~ — Qiiet period | 4:50 — — Assembly Intermediate: 3100 ~ = Outside 3130 — — Music listening & quiet hour 3355 - — Story or Art 4:15 — -Outside 4:50 = - Assembly oer Day" ~ schedule Primary 3:00 — ~ Gym 33:30 — -Quiet dott & misic listening 3245 — — Games in gym 4e15 — — Story or Art 4:30 + - Assembly Intermediate 3300 — - Gym 3330 - — Quiet hour, music listening, story, art AtlS - -Gyn 43:30 —~ - Assembly 1. Round-Up Brocram Children marched in to tune of "John Brown's" Sat dow in semi-circle, Sreceheel marched waving flags inna "This Is The Way We Wave Our Flags." Intermediates had a stick horse relay. Primary marched beating drums they had made in art. Tune~"Officer of the Day March", All sang "John Brown's Baby and "Chester" with gestures. 2. Daily Program Scheduler Time Mon.& Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri, 3215 Int. Art Pri-dancing Pri.-story 4,300 -Pri,-Games Inte gemes int—games _ Special days 4300 Pri-art Pri- games Pri-games contests & At45 Int-zames Int + dancing Int-stories finish up loose ends 3:00 - 3215 Assembly, Safety rules, and singing 4345 — 5:00 Assembly- Evaluation & singing. On Wednesdays at 3:00 we sold defense stamps. 36 aneeishtipgi-3400 o'clock assembly consisted of singing, discussions of the weekly topic (safety) Sisankie names for teams, outlining the activities for the day, hearing reports from safety council, enphasizing rules we had agreed upon, talks on good sportsmanship, announcements of committees and committee meeting schedules. On Steen we usvally sang while defense ane were being sold. * * The 4:45 assembly consisted of announcements about coming activites, espedially Neighborhood Nights, and a short evalutaion discussion in which they expressed their preferences for certain zanes and activities, We usually had same lost articles to be claimed and committee materials to be passed out to be taken home, # The Bulletin Board/and the Safety Council int during this time, Staff Meetings: ~ were held just before 3:00 almost every day and on the Thursday evening preceding special Fridays, we planned our programs in detail. These meetings usually consisted of plans to be carried outs PINCKNEY'S REPORT cont. We had some discussion of policy and management of the children Pre-School Program (Mrs. Dryden) Indoor 3200-3120 ~ Playing with blocks (while all arrive) 2320-3:25 —- Pick up blocks 3225-3340 Hazing (Ring around Rosie ~ Mulberry Bush, etc) 3340-3355 — Songs with narehing 3355-4300 ~ Roll Call 4300-4310 - Story 4210-4325 ~ Tea Party 4325-4330 — Get drink, go to tellat 4%30-4:40— Resting (while music is pleyed) 4340-4345 - Coloring and drawing 4% 55—5¥00 ~ Get room in order & ready for Mother Outdoor 3:00-3:20 - Blocks 3320-3325 - Pick Up 3325-3135 = Songs & marching 3835 - 3150 - Roll Call & Story 3850-4200 - Lying down resting (while music is played) 4300-4215 — Tea Party : 4215+4220 ~ Toilet & dring 4320-4335 = Games outside 4835-4355 ~ playing in sandpile 4:55-5:00 — Getting ready to go home PLAYGROUND ENROLLMENT . Week Pre-school Primary. Intermediate a. 12 7 35 25 2nd | oe 47 ) 29 3rd _ 51 oe Ath 35 | a 39 Sth 7 35 | 52 he 6th ae elie 42. 37 be) 42 NEW YORK'S REPORT 1, Qur Round-Up program consisted of a Saddle and Bridle Relay the object whdeh was to run "1p to a child on his hands and knees and put a rope about his neck, and a "blanket! on his back, Leave the horse and run back to. touch the next man's hand who ran up and took the bridle and saddle off, ’ etc. After the relay the intermediates tumbled doing front and back rolls, - diving, and a pyramid. The group marched off singing God Bless Anerica and saluting two American Flags held by two boys dressed in Scout suits. 7 r 2. Daily program saiuaes taal Pre-school and primary. This group usually started the lar program | + playing for a half an hour games outside. Then they would come inside for some art work which would last thirty minutes. The next few minutes would be allotead the children to get a igeinke and to go to the restrooms. From 4:00 until 4:30 storytelling. Last half an hour devoted to games. | Intermediate: The "first ‘45 minutes they were divided into two teams and si dip a team game. Next 30 minutes art, or some quiet game. - Finish up day playing some team game—usually U. W. - ~~ - 200.02 June 24 - Joie L. Stapleton ~ a ~ 5,00 July 8 = Rotary Club - in om 25400 July 6 = Cordley children . 100... $441.40 : DIRECTOR'S REPORT ON SUMMER PLAYGROUND 1943 Total. enrollment -554 | Pre~school 117 Number of leaders 6 Primary 215 Number of Asst. 16 Inter, _ 223 ; 3 554 The playgrounds and their leaders Woodlavn - Irene Lafeyette , McAllaster - Sue Todd Lincoln - Essie Anderson New York - LaVone Jacobson _ Pinckney - Mable Maliory Cordley - Ruth Wood ENROLLIMENT:-— Total of 6 playgrounds first week - 347 . = * n second week ~ 400 " " t ft third week - 1,65 it = = " fourth week 504 m n ow " fifth week ~ 526 | it fn n sixth week - 554 For the first four weeks the enrollment increased about fifty children on the six playgrounds each week, For the fifth and sixth week, enrollmentsgains were’ smaller, Playground enrollment during this war time was not as large as it has been in the past two summers, ‘The reason for this is largely due to the fact that so many intermediate age children are working either part of full time. The surprising trend in enrollment on the playground this year was the increase in the pre-school age, (117) At two schools we had fine volunteer adult help with this age, Mrs. Dryden at Pinckney, and Mrs, Hagen at Woodlawn, I agree with the recommendation of the playground staff that, unless the Council can afford to pay trained pre-school leaders, the lower age*limit should be four years old 3% = playground had at least the following: One tether ball and cover; two wooden paddles; two long jumping ropes; two softballs; two bats; two rubber balls; two tennis balls; one net; one deck tennis ring; one croquet set; one kickball; one volleyball; six boxes of crayons} and construction paper as needed. Leaders had a K.U. recreation=— manuels and two American Songs Books, - Inventory of Playground Equipments (July 17, 1943) 2 croquet sets ; 3 big rubber balls : aa are inna 7 tether balls with covers 2 long jumping ropes 3 tennis balls 2 short jumping ropes 2 wands 5 bats 4 pennants 5 softballs 3 cans of paint 4, volleyballs 2 brushes 7 2 basketballs 1 pkg. of scrap paper for drawing 2 kickballs 2 footballs DIRECTOR'S PLAYGROUND REPORT (cont. ) athe Lo % thought the staff was excelleht this year, Although the res~ ponsible leaders were not recreation leaders, they were very cooperative and very willing to iearn and to try. The high school girls assumed their duties very well——and they did learn a great deal in handling children by working with the experienced leader, The junior high girls also did fine work. I think that the plan of having at least three paid persons on a playground is the only solution, I like the graduated salary scale for the assistants, : | SCALE FOR FL AYOROUND ASSISTANTS (1943) i g Junior High girl unexperienced -— $3,00 for six weeks Junior High girl experienced - 6,00 for six weeks High school girl unexperienced - 12,00 for six weeks High school girl experienced - 15,00 for six weeks High school girl with nore | than one year experience - 17.50 for six weeks My only suggestion is to hire no one "sight-unseen", mas we did this — past summer in the case of two youngsters of junior high age, They were not very helpful, ON INSTITUTE: - . his is an excellent idea; in fact a necessity because of the shortage | of recreational leaders. I would suggest that it would be to the playgrounds! © advantage to start a week later if it could be arranged to have recreation training classes for at least three days, The institute should be conducted with the same seriousness and with the same methods as school, since it is a training course. Game rules should be explained thoroughly, then the class should actually play the game and apply the rules, ‘The same method should be applied to teaching the playground personnel singing games , square dances, group singing, art, etc. | | t= _ I think thet here is where our program sagged the most. I don't feel that it was anyones fault, just too mich to do in too short a time, Plans for the playgrounds should have been announced in the elementary school about a month before school was dismissed—-as well as in the last few PTA meetings, To announce the program before the children disbanded would have given them time to talk about it and to interest each other. In order to "reach some of the needing ones", I would suggest that each child sign a card before school is out; giving his name, address, school attending, favorite games and activities, has he ever attended playground; would he be interested this sumer; if not, why not. Thus with filed information like this, a quick survey could be made as to tentative enrollment, a district's likes and dislikes, what children really need the playground, etc. When Mrs. Mae Turher took over the publicity for the papers this season, it took a big load off my shoulders, So I would suggest that all recreation publicity should be put into reliable hands and such publicity covering all recreation should be started early in the Spring, DIRECTOR'S PLAYGROUND REPORT (cont. ) eden _ Mrs, Lafeyette had an excellent suggestion on her report: The future recreational program could be helped by carring on a great deal of educational work concerning recreation in the PTA. Viany, many people do not understand the aims or purpose invalued in recreational . work and the educational phases of the program need to be well presented to the people. Such a foundation during the winter would pay dividends in the summer. . THE SUMMER HOPES OF THE NEXT SEASON SUCH AS PLAYGROUND, TEEN AGE, AND NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHTS SHOULD BE EXPLAINED AND WORKED TOWARD ALL DURING THE WINTER MONTHS, IN EDUCATING THE LAWRENCE FUBLIC AS TO THE WHY AND THE NEED. PLAYGROUND PLANS+~ | | From the comments of the staff personnel, I suggest that in the future each playground week should be planned for the leaders as to the ‘theme', One leader states: "The playground was much better this summer because every week we had something new and definite to work with, This kept the children interested and they looked. forward to the next week's theme." (The themes for this past six weeks were: Flag Week, Cowboy Week, Contest Week, Pet Week, Red-White-Blue Week, and Hobby Week, ) A daily scheduie was not offered to the leaders this sumer, but Z have included a pre-school, primary, and intermediate daily program | in the 1943 Playground Manuel. I believe that such schedules or ones | similar should be included in the future playground plans, Such plans should be of great help to an inexperienced recreation leader. Miss Ellsworth was pleased with the outcome of the art arrangement this season, She made out lesson plans for each week's theme and met with the leaders at their Friday afternoon staff meetings to explain any project or to answer any of their questions, Thus the leaders were in charge of the playground art and did a fine job, I thought it worked much better thah having a art teacher going from playground to playground as it has been done in the past, een I recommend that such a similar plan as the above be set up next year for music and. dramatics, Not enough was accomplised in these two fields this year, A Would it be at ail possible to use summer cadet teachers on the playgrounds? They could certainly profit by the "practical experience", Could a sound program for them be set up so that they could receive some - university credit for their time? Cadet teachers in msic, art, dramatics, and physical education could be kept very busy; and I'm sure that such an experience would be of as much benefit to them as a theoretical course, BIBLE SCHOOL:~ 3 : Enrollment for 6 weeks ~ 230 oe Cordley ~ 4i New York - 51 McAllaster -18 - Woodlawn — 40 Lincoln - 37 Pinckney -— 44 PLAYGROUND REPORT (cont) ee ie The general concensus of opinion of the leaders and the director was that the best place for Bible classes is not on the playgrounds, but in the churches. Aside from my owm personal belief that such classes wouldm mean much more in churches; the problem of supervision cannot be overlooked. There was insufficient coordination between the two groups; not willingly, but because of the lack of combined meetings of the leaders of both or- ganizations. ; If the bible classes continue to meet next year on the playgrounds, I suggest thats : 1, The bible school teachers meet at a few general meetings, as” well as the playground's staff meetings, in order that all may become better adquainted, understand more about the ‘other group's! aims, etc. and clear all rules about conduct in the halls and on the grounds, etc. 2. That it is understood that but one person exercises authority in the building during the bible classes, At two playgrounds I felt that the bible classes were running enrollment competition with the playground; which certainly did not foster cooperation. Also it is true, that for a young child the period of 2 to 5 o'clock is rather long to hold his attention, 3 CLASSES :—~ Enrollment -— 104 Beginners - 70 Intermediates - 21 Advanced - 3 Teen-Aze -10 I think that the present swimming program is fine; and I do . appreciate Miss Ruth Hoover's interest in enabling us to have such ’ splendid Red Cross instruction. I heartily approve of the present schedule that divides the participants into classes according to their ability; and to arrange it so that each school swims twice a week, I suggest that:@The swimming blanks be handed out to children interested in the playground's swinming classes before school is out. (The last week of school) This would stagger the doctor's examinations better, and classes would be more full the first week the instruction started; as well as publicity on the swimming program at:school would tend to bring more out for this activity, A few mothers told me that their child did not know about the swimming wntil after a few weeks of playground--then she (the mother) felt that it was too late for the child to start. (There were three swimming stories in the paper, But such is a typical example) The two Red Cross instructors at the pool this summer did appreciate very much the help of a High school girl who was employed for the after noon playgrounds. However, they suggested that two girls would be better. PLAYGROUND REPORT (cont) : Gus One girl to stay in the basketroom at all time; and the other to take care of the tiny tots, The little ones were too young to be left alone even for a moment to go into the building and check in a late swinmer. This swimning program is such a splendid activity—and always so popular, I would like to see the six week's of instruction climaxed by a swimming meet or 4 simple water exhibition of some sort. Some type of a program that would bring out the parents and show them What their child had accomplished. (I realize that this is entirely separate from the Red Cross awards—but perhaps the parents would — like to watch their children perform some of these tests with a Public Address system set up for full explanation.( Such awards could not be made unless Miss Hoover was present. But the actual testing could be given at a later date, as has been the custome ) THE DIRECTOR THANKS: Mr:. Creel and Evelyn Barnscord for driving their ponies and carts to each of the six playgrounds during Pet Week. Mrs. Holcomb at Cordley and Mr. Wymore at Woodlawn for continuing with the Neighborhood Nights after the playground program, | Miss Ethel Wood for her time given in playing the piano at the community singing. | : Miss Bushong and her class far their two splendid Marionette shows at Woodlawn and the Community Building. | Mrs.) Gladys Six for her suggestions and books on dramatics, Miss Jolie Stapleton and Miss Ruth Hoover for their time, and interest in the Recreation Institute, as well as helping with Community square dancing. | | irs, Ewing for bringing the St. Bernard puppies to Woodlawn during Pet Week. Mr. Hobbs and the LMHS band for their fine cooperation with the playground program. : ROUND-UP:- I felt that children and parents both enjoyed the program given by the six playgrounds at South Park, that concluded the playgrounds. I recommend that if possible, the summer playgrounds.do combine either in - @ cooperative program, or in separate playground programs dovetailed to~ gether, It is good publicity for the program; it makes a nice climax to the six weeks; and it tends to create a feeling of esprit—de-corps between the staff and children as well as between the playgrounds, TEEN-AGE PROGRAM (1943) I am happy the teen-age committee, Mr. Houston, chm., Dr. Bert Nash, and Mrs. Deal Six, have decided to continue with the teen-age activities until the last week of August, sees 7 At their committee meeting last week, I submitted a possible outline of duties for the game-dance party on Friday evenings. Mr. Hobbs at high school told me that he was starting a popular band and that they would be playing in about six weeks. If the conmittee could have this band play at the Friday party, perhpas for the last party of the season, it would be a good send-off for the orchestra, and a good climax ending for the teen-age series of parties, | The tennis lessons under Miss Frances Davidson should be finished the last of this month. There should be a small tournament within the class. However, I talked with Mr, Houston about the idea of interesting some tennis men like Mr, Docking and Mr. Keeler in forming a tennis committee to sponsor a city-wide teen age tennis tournament in August. Two separate brackets could be made to encourage beginners as well as more advanced players, The tennis courts at Corbin Hall would make a | fine place to run off a week's tournament. Good publicity on the finals in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles should bring out an audience, (More recreation selling points, ) The girls' softball has gathered impetus within the last two weeks, LaVone Jacobson and Kathryn Schaake are in charge. The girls’ teams play on Monday nights, I would like to see baseball get enough interest aroused so that next year (before Jr. High & LMHS is out) a girls! soft- ball league could be organized. e.g. A team from North Lawrence, a couple of Hill teams, a couple of teen-age teams, possibly an older team, etc, The girls love to play and, if handled correctly, the game is excellent recreation, The ideal situation for the teen-agers would be to have a open to them every afternoon, and at least twice a week in the evenings, A place where they could play gemes, drink pop, and visit, A place just "to drop in" after a swim to soci » True, the young people are busy working, but to have a wholesome place to meet if for only a few minutes a day would help solve their problem of ‘where to go when we do have the time’, Some towns do have such teen-age places run entirely by the young people themselves, In a few cities, the youngsters have fixed up their own building, made booths, soda fountain, etc. 7 During the winter months, it seems just as important to me that | both junior high and high school students are given an opportunity to have a wholesome place to dance and play on a week-end evening. NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHTS. For an experimental project, I believe we received some gratifying results on the nieghborhood nights, Of the six playgrounds two school are 7 continuing with their adult recreation, Cordley in south Lawrence » and Woodlawn in north Lawrence, As Dr. Nash said: "Whe young people and the adults need: recreation as mich or more than the children," With this in mind, it was interesting to see what response we wuld get in our pioneering movement, The following is a general discription of the playgrounds" Neighborhood ‘Nights? and the leaders opinion about them. t~ Had four neighborhood nights, Their crowd was not more than 55 at any time including both parents and children, They had square dancing, community singing, outdoor games, and served punch and coffee, Miss Todd: "Neighborhood - nights I believe in heartily. I do not know what it takes to get the crowd out, _ but it surely should be continued. It is new and it will grow, I did think that perhaps the children's eagerness would be increased if they were not tired from the playground's activity of the afternoon—and their enthusiasm would bring out . more parents," Pinckney:~Had five neighborhood nights, Attendance about 50 including parents and children, Played croquet, bingo, square dancing, community singing, baseball, and brought picnic dinners about three times, Miss Mallory: "I think the neigh- borhood nights are grand and should be continued until they become more popular, They are worthy of more popularity than they had in Pinckney district this summer, But again, we did not reach the lonely people who need it, Those who came were largely those whose children brought them, I know they seemed to many of our patrons just another place to go when they already had too many activities, We need to learn to enjoy our homes also," Lincoln:- Had five neighborhood nights. Attendance about 25, both parents and children, Adult attendance low, Played baseball, croquet, and had comunity singing. Miss Anderson: "Neighborhood nights were not popular with the adults. They felt that work was so essential that they could not sacrifice any of the + daylight hours to play. If recreation activities were carried over into the - school program, I think that during the winter months the adults would cooperate much better, Neighborhood nights were popular with the teen-age group," : New Yorki— Had five neighborhood nights, ‘The idea did not catch in that district at all, Only one adult showed up for each "evening picnic", There might have been two reasons for this: a. The PTA president was not interested enough, or too busy to pugh this recreations and b, the school principal was out of town all summer, She could have made some Valuable contacts for the leader, Miss Jacobson: "To get neighborhood nights started in this district, I suggest that, rather than working thru the PTA, it would help te work with a group of parents who are re~ creational minded, who would form a committee to be in charge and to get in touch with other parents who might be interested, " Woodlawn:~ Had five neighborhood nights, Attendance about 75 including children and parents. Because Woodlawn is in North Lawrence and has such excellent play area, I was happy to see as many adults as there seemed to be interested in con- tinuing with this recreational evening, Played volleyball, baseball, shuffle- board, tetherball, croquet, Sold pop and popcorn, Had two band concerts and a marionette -show! Neighborhood Nights (coht,) i 2 @ marionette show. Mrs. Lafayette: "Neicshborhood nights at Woodlawn did not touch enough high school people, I an wondering what approach is needed, I an leaving this problem, I believe, unsolved, " Condley:-Had six neighborhood nights, a fine chakeaen and committee, Programs plammed by the committee before the playgrounds started. Orzanization: One ~ chairman working with six women, each one in charge of a designated neighborhood night. # Attendance about 80. "(At Pet Show—225 present) Mrs. Wood: "At first our attendance was low, but it increased rapidly each week, However, I noticed that the parents turned out better if the children gave a little program of some sort before or after the outdoor games. I do think it's a splendid idea and much progress has been made toward next year." I was pleased with ‘the attendance of the five playgrounds as this was an exneriment. Attendance could be increased: 1. The wor situation and victory gardens, etc. has given adults more to do after working hours, Many adults felt that they could not afford to give time to recreation when they had so much work at home to do. 2, It was en interesting comment from Cordley that their adult attendance was higher when the youngsters had some little program to give, I believe that this is akey to the situation because I feel that a ~aiority of adults io no know thow to play’. This education could be started in the winter months, having volleyball teams for the adults, deck tennis, etc. (Of course when a person is tired from a long day's work, he doesn't feel like playing hard; but if he can be shown that some mild exercise will truly relax those tired muscles—then we will have broken down a big argument. "I can't come to the playground tonight. I've worked too hard today, I'm tired.") 3. If giving a small program of some type will bring out more adults at first; then I suggest that the afternoon playgrounds with their help in art, dramatics, and music next year plan to : have an occasional program, Plan programs that will draw the adults into the activities. 4. This season we had two types of committee organization: A.- Six PTA mothers headed by a chairman. Each woman had cherge of handling one of the neighborhood nights out of the 6 wks. B.- Committee made up of recreation-minded people in the district. They planned the nights, then asked some well-known couple to . act as host and hostess. (This plen includes more’ men)