Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 30 October 1949 — Page 11

The Indianapolis Ti

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1949

Dream That

By VICTOR PETERSON drove slowly through Ft. Harrison. In my mind the wooded, rolling military reservation faded into a state park. It became one of the vast chain dotting the state, one close enough to offer immediate recreation and relaxation to Indianapolis residents. The site is a natural for a park if the government declares it “surplus property” under the current economy drive of Defense Secretary Louis Johnson. > Two years ago the fort was placed on the inactive list, and a proposal by The Times to transform it into a giant playground brought broad support. It was returned to the government, however, when the Indiana Military District Headquarters moved there from Indianapolis. » » .

TODAY Ft. Harrison teeters on the edge of disposal, its 2700 acres spreading an invitation to the public. Dust curled back of my car as the wheels turned over Army-buiit gravel roads. Streams sparkled in the sunlight

aa they slipped down

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between towering trees to spill into calm pools and gravel pits in the 1000 undeveloped acres. Here would be choice swimming and fishing holes. The woodland would be the delight of nature lovers. ” ” LJ

MUCH that is needed in the way of physical facilities already exist. The fort, established in 1903, has developed progressively until in World War II it had a peak population of 10,000. : Existing are scores of permanent and temporary buildings offering unlimited possibilities for housing and recreation. Tops is the beautiful Officers’ Club overlooking a nine-hole golf course with plenty of land for enlargement. There is a modern sanitation plant and water system, a large swimming pool, shelter houses, outdoor fireplaces, picnic tables, tennis and basketball courts. > A state park nestling in the shadow of Indianapolis need not be a dream if F't. Harrison is declared surplus. More than the basic elements already exist to make it one of the state's finest.

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Zoo-Hungry Hoosiers Are Casting Eyes At Cincinnati

: a? io bv the ton affectionate hippopotami bee i > 3 : WINCINNATI nas what In- But Clnetrmati is the closest CURRENTLY a building ‘new bird sanctuary. The swank dianapolis has talked about for for zoo-starved Hoosiers, and boom is on in Cincy’s City of building for reptiles still spar- ; { Animals, A new lion house is kles with newness, 3

by A MECCA TOR thousands throughout ‘the year, the m00

stitution was a pioneer in the installation of barless grottoes

1875. After a stormy life courting bankruptcy, it was pur-

200. 80 does St. Louis, Chicago, etroit and many a smaller tion's revenue. The people of

Cincinnati bear much of’ the burden

going up. So is an ape building with attached amphitheater. ) Nearing completion in an aquar for their zoo from taxes. ium, Opened this year was a

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The 57 acres of rolling, landscaped grounds contain one of the nation's admittedly finest collection ‘of ‘animals, The in:

whieh - give. spactators an unobstructed ‘view of beasts in native setting. ; The ‘zoo is’ no newcomer to

‘Cineinnatl’ It was opened ‘in

chased by the city in 1933. Not including ‘expenditures, mo're than a million dollars in’ improvements ‘have been 'mdde since the acquisition. « ! |

offérs many attractions other

; played on. the grounds and for

"two weeks before Labor Day &