Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 170, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 July 1915 — FAVORS SWIMMING POOL AND PLAY PARK [ARTICLE]

FAVORS SWIMMING POOL AND PLAY PARK

H. O. Johnson Also Suggests Cross Town Bus Li ne —Offers to Contribute His Labor. Editor Republican, Dear Sir: Your article of a recent issue in regard to a municipal swimming pool strikes the right chord. Rensselaer» is very deficient in matters of amusement for so large a town and much could be done in this regard to promote the wishes of the amusementloving public. I would say that we should take a step farther than the swimming pool and in conjunction obtain adjacent ground in a suitable locality for a park for that purpose so that such amusements as swings, merry-go-round, slides and various other devices known to such places could be put in for those not using the pool but attracted there for an outing. Kansas City has both its natitorium and artificial lake for both sexes; Chicago has its lake beaches; Indianapolis its big concrete pool as Broad Ripple; Cincinnati its Coney Island, all of which are well patronized by those who wish to get away from the sweltering heat of summer. Judging by the number of swimmers at the bridge lately, the pool of 40x80 feet would be entirely inadequate to accommodate the crowd that would patronize it from this town, to say nothing of those who would be attracted here from the surrounding country. A circular pool, such as the one at the college, sloping to the center with one deep spot at one side would give all, little and big, those who swim and those who splash, a chance to enjoy its enticing water. Also, since we cannot afford street cars, probably a cross-town bus line could be put into service which would be a source of revenue for some one and a means of conveyance for those at a distance who would not walk it. As a starter I am willing to contribute $5 and my labor so far as I can to get is under way. Are there not a hundred others who could contribute that and more to get this, a welcome and healthy resort on its feet. Start the ball rolling, now! _ „

Yours respecfully,

H. O. JOHNSON.