14
Wednesday, August 23, 1978
University Daily Kansan
Lawrence city parks
THE SONY WITH 20 YEARS BEHIND IT AND A $12500 PRICE ON IT.
It's a Sony TV-121 12" (measured diagonally) black and white television. It has 100% solid state circuitry automatic gain control for a consistently stable picture a unique energy saving system that provides a quick picture even from a cold start and a glare-free screen for indoor/outdoor viewing.In fact, this TV-121 has all the innovations we introduced years ago.At a price that's truly a miracle of modern science.
By BRAD H. HAMILTON
"IT'S ASONY."
Housing isn't the only form of land development in Lawrence.
The city of Lawrence has 27 parks, one swimming pool, three recreation centers, 15 sports complexes and 12 parks.
Staff Writer
Parks diverse, growing
That is more than 1,280 acres of park land, and according to Fred C. DeVictor, who has been director of the Lawrence Parks and Recreation since 1975, the parks are still growing.
"What urged me to come to Lawrence was the fact that the city had acquired a lot of land to develop." *Devilson* said. "The most acutely aware of the acres being used for River Front Park.*
River Front Park is an area of land that hugs the north side of the Kansas river for more than 10 miles. The center of the park is near downtown Lawrence.
The Corps of Engineers and the City of Lawrence are splitting the cost of the park.
DEVICTOR SAID that the park was supposed to preserve land and provide recreational access to the river. The park will contain a boat ramp, overnight camper trail, hiking trails and a paved path for bicycles that will run along the top of the levee.
According to DeVictor the large park will not be much developed because it is in a flood area between the Kansas river and the levee.
On the south side of the river at Second and Indiana streets another park is being developed. This land was provided for by the city to the city by the Riley Burcham family.
The land for Burcham park is near the city water works and not far from the proposed site of the new city hall. Dev'ictor hopes that the 32-acre park will eventually be connected to the river, providing facilities around the Bowersock park that canoes can be used in the river.
Devictor hopes the project will start this fall and be completed sometime next spring.
DEVECTOR SAID that by the time the city hall is finished the entire river area of La Plata, Mexico.
There was little improvement until 1946 when the city allocated $75,000 for dowsing.
The first parks in the city were Central and South and were included in the original park plan.
Park development is not new to Lawrence.
In 1965 the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department was formed.
AUDIOTRONICS
In 1963 the budget for parks and recreation was less than $50,000. This year the operating budget is $820,000 and covers five areas. The divisions are: parks, recreation, forestry, cemeteries and noxious weeds. The department is also responsible for the upkeep of the downtown area along Massachusetts St.
THE CREATION department offers more than fifteen different classes in creative dance, ballet, disco, baton, tumbling, gymnastics, choreography, water color, belly dancing and weaving.
928 MASSACHUSETTS
Other recreational activities include the art studio, summer theatre, day camps, movies in the park and band concerts at the South Park bandstand.
"We plan to put an indoor pool at the high school which the Parks and Recreation department will operate during the summer," DeVictor said.
The parks and recreation department sponsors T-Ball leagues, baseball, slowpitch softball, girls' softball, beep softball, bicycle tours, tennis and track and field.
Swimming lessons are available at the municipal pool.
"WHEN THE Community Building was renovated in early 1970s men and women seldom used it at the same time. At that time we only put in a one locker room. Now the women use the handball court more than the men need two locker rooms." DeViant said.
The department is planning an eight-court lighted tennis center also to be built at the high school. The $175,000 center received 50 percent of its funds from the federal government, 25 percent from the city and 25 percent from the school district.
He said that vandalism was a big problem with the park property and that as a result the parks close at 11:30 p.m. unless a special permit was issued to the park user.
DeVictor hopes to see several more ball diamonds, neighborhood tennis parks and a new locker room at the Community building in the next year.
DeVictor believes in well-maintained parks and recreation facilities for the community. He said he must constantly reevaluate the community's needs.
THE COMMUNITY is well-served, he said, but is lacking in some areas. For example, Lawrence has no indoor public laundry, and this to change within the next two years.
DeVictor said that many college cities close their parks to students because the buildings are too expensive.
"We include the student as part of our community," he said. "Students are welcome to participate in any programs we have. They are open to anyone."
The department is also building a $266,000 dollar community center in east Lawrence at 15th and Brooke streets, which will replace the East Lawrence Center.
A description of the major city parks follows:
SOUTH PARK: Located on Massachusetts street one block south of the downtown area, this is Lawrence's oldest park. It includes a bandstand and flower garden, lighted horseshoe courts, a fountain and the first ladder truck owned by the city. The South Park Center is open all year and has two meeting rooms and a lounge. The Community Building gymnasium is located just north of South Park.
DOWNTOWN
Broken Arrow Park: This park has a panic shelter, play area, three ball diamonds and two tennis courts. It is located near the Indian Indian College and covers 20 acres.
Burcham Park: The 23 acres park along the north bank of the Kansas River was donated in 1977 by Mr. and Mrs. Riley Burcham. It contains one of the nicest parks on the campus and will be part of a new park system that will skirt the Kansas river in Lawrence.
Central Park: Seven acres near downtown, it has an Olympic-sized pool, a junior pool, a wading pool and a bathhouse. The facility is protective and provides ice skating in the winter.
CENTENNIAL PARK: A 35-acre park that is one of the largest in the city. It has tennis courts, a ball diamond, a picnic shelter, and a lighted area for winter sledding. It is located west of Iowa St. between 9th and 6th streets.
Louis Holcom Park and Sports Complex:
Baseball and softball are the main attraction of this park in southwest Lawrence. It has four lighted ball diamonds and a large indoor basketball court. Two tennis courts, multi-purpose courts and an outdoor handball court are all lighted.
Martin Park: This is one of the most primitive and beautiful parks in the area. It features a variety of trails and a west of Lawrence on Peterson Road and covers 19 acres of rolling forest land.
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