a2e

that they went it, and after making that decision, they must find the tools,
finanoially and otherwise, to implement it locally. We do not believe, nor

do you, I think, that a recreation program is something that can be superimposed
from the eubidtdes Recreation is the people's program © it must come from the
people « it represents thoir desires ani wishes - end they must put it into

action,

Announcer: Is this something new in America?

Mrs, Livingston: My goodness, noj. Public reoreation started with the sand gardens

in Boston in 1870, Last year, over 500 American commmities supported year--
round programs of commmity recreation, and spent some $40,000,000 of tax funds,
mainly for leadershipe At the present tim, Mir,

 

» recreation is
regarded as a mmicipal responsibility, to be supported by tax funds, the same,
for oneng ie, as public health service or the collection of garbage or the
provision of good streets, Recreation for the mss of the people is good in
itself, needs no such excuse as the eradication of juvenile delinquency that
many of our wollemeening friends attempt to attach to it, and is a necessity of
all the people in any Americen commmitye You people of Lawrence have one of
the most splendid comamity buildings I have ever seen, with excellent volunteer
helpe T hope that you ean soon have # program in operation seven days a weeke

IT am happy to kmow about your swaser recreation program.for Lawrence children «
for this reer = em ineludes plans for eran, art studio, Red Cross
swimning ins trenton, ami teeneage activities,

a

Announcer: You are of the opinion, then, dirs. Livingston, that Lawrence is on the
right track? |