61: Parks
61:1 Parks and Playgrounds - Early
Days of Lakewood
61:2 Recreation
61:3 Lakewood Park
61:4 Lakewood Park (Purchase of Rhodes Property)
61:5 Lakewood Park
61:6 Lakewood Park (Rhodes Estate Condemned)
61:7 Lakewood Park
61:8 Lakewood Park
61:9 Lakewood Park
61:10 Naming of Parks
61:11 Lakewood Park (Opening of Park)
61:12 Lakewood Park (The Park Opening)
61:13 Lakewood Park (Memorial Arch Proposed)
61:14 Park Bonds To Be Issued
61:15 Parks and Playgrounds
61:16 Lakewood Park System
61:17 Comfort Stations And Wading Pools And Tennis Courts Too
61:18 Wading Pools for Kiddies in Madison and Lakewood Parks
61:19 Mayor Presents Plan For Local Park Extension
61:20 Edward Ross Appointed Commissioner of Parks
61:21 Will City of Lakewood Buy Lake Front Land For Public Park?
61:22 Women Ask Council To Appoint Supervisor Of
Playgrounds In The Parks
61:23 Plan Lakewood Park Extension
61:1
PARKS AND
PLAYGROUNDS
EARLY DAYS OF
LAKEWOOD - D.A.R. Pg. 64 - 66
In 1815, when
Cleveland was granted a village charter, land in the northwest section of
Lakewood could be purchased for fifty cents an acre. With the development of
the Dummy railroad it became the favorite picnic grounds for those living west
of the Cuyahoga River. Ezra Nicholson purchased this property overlooking the
lake and extending along the east bank of the mouth of Rocky River. He offered
it to the city of Cleveland for a park, but it was refused; and the newspapers
made great sport of the visionary who wished to locate a park so far out in the
country. When the old Cliff House was erected at the end of the Dummy railroad
facing Detroit Avenue and what is now the Nickel Plate Railroad, the promoters
tried to develop a family amusement park adjoining it.
Liquor was
plentiful at both ends of the Dummy railroad and all along the route. One could
quench his thirst at Knoll's under the bridge, at the road house in Clifton
Park, or at the Cliff House. The popularity of the park was so great on Sundays
that the railroad could not handle the crowd. Many drove out to the picnic
grounds, and it was not an unusual sight to see several wrecked buggies on
Detroit Avenue on the way to and from the park.
In
"Peculiarities of American Cities", published in 1883, (the year the
Dummy railroad ceased to operate), Captain Williard Glazier wrote, " There
are a number of parks and gardens in the suburbs of Cleveland. The favorite
drive, however, next to Euclid Avenue, is across the Cuyahoga and seven miles
westward to Rocky River, which flows into the lake between perpendicular cliffs
which project themselves boldly into the lake. Here a park has been laid out,
and all that art can do has been done to add natural beauties of the
place."
Scenic Park was
located in Rocky River valley, not far from Rocky River bridge. It was an
amusement park and, as liquor was dispensed freely, it became anything but a
respectable place. A car, suspended on a cable, carried passengers to the boat
house on the other side of the river and back for quarter. Under the Beal Law,
Lakewood was voted dry; and, with the exit of liquor, the popularity of Scenic
Park waned, so that it no longer paid to operate it.
From then on it was
known as Lincoln Park, and in 1917, it was purchased by the city of Lakewood
for $43,000. In July 24, 1924, William A. Stinchcomb presented plans for the
development of Rocky River, and of Scenic Park's ninety acres which were often
referred to as a dump. It is still owned by city of Lakewood, but is under the
control of the Metropolitan Park Board.
Robert R. Rhodes,
son of Daniel P. Rhodes, purchased part of what is now Lakewood Park from Orvis
N. Hotchkiss for a summer home. Some years later, he moved from Franklin Avenue
and made his summer residence his permanent home, living there until his death
in 1916. In 1918, the City of Lakewood purchased it from the Rhodes estate for
$214.500. It is located at the foot of Belle Avenue and contains twenty-three
and three - fourths acres. The west portion of Lakewood Park, containing four
acres, was purchased in 1928 from Charles Hopkinson for $100,000. The fresh
cool air from the lake which prevails throughout the summer makes it favorite
picnic grounds. It contains tennis courts and a ball diamond, besides slides
and swings for the children.
Madison Park,
containing fifteen acres, is on the southwest corner of Madison and Halstead
Avenues. It was purchased in 1917 from Fred Zimmerman and John Hahn, and cost
$40,222. It contains a branch library and playgrounds.
Wagar
Park, on Madison Avenue at Rosewood and Hilliard Road, was given by the Wagar
estate in 1904 for a public library site. It contains one and one - half acres
and is used as a playground.
61:2
RECREATION
SOURCE -
NEWSPAPER CLIPPING - NO DATE GIVEN (LIBRARY FILE)
Begins to look like
business for that bathing beach, for the city is to issue bonds to finance the
building of the breakwater off Lakewood Park. Finance Director A.O. Guild made
this admission Monday. Councilman H.S. Hart thinks the jetty should project
farther into the lake than was originally planned by at least fifty feet.
Just when work will
begin is not known - but it will not be soon enough so that all the people -
and that includes former Councilman C. Sharp Stevens and his famous resolution
providing for a $ 500,000 natatorium - may jump this summer from the huge
concrete dock into the cooling waters of Lake Erie.
Engineer
E.A. Fisher figures the cost of proposed jetty at $ 38, 250.
61:3
LAKEWOOD PARK
LAKEWOOD PRESS
- - OCTOBER 11, 1917 Pg. 1
Lakewood's proposed
park system may have for its nucleus one of the prettiest spots in the suburbs,
a tract of 27 acres, high above Lake Erie on a bluff at the foot of Belle
Avenue. The tract is the old Robert R. Rhodes estate. Rhodes died in February,
1916, and by the terms of his will, his daughter - in - law, Mrs. William
Castle Rhodes, was to occupy the homestead for a period of two years after his
death. The son, William, died before his father.
Lakewood voters
will be asked at the next election, next month, to vote an issue of $300,000
bonds for park purposes. The present plan is to spend $ 250,000 of this sum for
purchase of the estate. The Chamber of Commerce has obtained an option from the
trustees of the estate for the purchase at that price. The other $ 50,000 would
be used in converting the grounds into a park.
Little work would
have to be done in the converting. A supply of benches, picnic tables and a
pavilion would make it a park as it stands. Winding drives cover almost the
entire estate; massive oaks, beeches and buckeyes rear up from lawn stretches
and provide ideal picnic shelters; rustic bridges cross a lazy little creek
which winds through the grounds; the creek drops 20 feet under one bridge in a
miniature Niagara. At the westerly end of the grounds is a 40 ft. square hedge,
enclosed garden, which was the apple of William Rhodes eye, and in which are an
aquarium, stocked with gold fish, all sorts of small flower beds separated by
grass walks and a number of garden seats.
A shale and rock
cliff drops sheer 50 feet to the lake. There is no beach and no stepped
approaches to the water from the grounds.
Robert
Rhodes was president of the United States Coal Company, and the Peoples Saving
Bank, and a director in numerous banks and corporations. His sister was Mrs.
Mark A. Hanna, Sr.
61:4
LAKEWOOD PARK
(PURCHASE OF RHODES PROPERTY)
LAKEWOOD PRESS
- NOVEMBER 22, 1917 Pg. 1
The city council,
at its regular meeting last Monday evening, hastened to carry out the mandate
of the people relative to the purchase of the Rhodes property for park
purposes.
Councilman Palda
presented a motion authorizing the director of public works and the director of
law to obtain an option on the property running to March 15, 1918, in order to
safeguard the city's interest in the property pending the completion of the
necessary legislation and the sale of the bonds.
A resolution
authorizing the sale of bonds in the sum of $ 300,000 for park purposes was
passed by the council, $250,000 for the purchase of the land and $50,000 for
improvements. Councilman Palda raised an objection to the wording of the
resolution. He inquired of the director of law if the resolution was not so
worded as to prevent the use of any part of the $50,000 for improving Scenic,
Wagar or the Madison Avenue park lands. He said that a part of the money should
be used in making these lands available as parks for the accommodation of
people living near them. The law director stated that in his judgment the
resolution was broad enough to authorize the use of the money on any or all of
these properties as council might direct. Thereupon the resolution was adopted,
all members of the council concurring.
This
resolution is the first step in the proceeding to acquire the Rhodes property,
which, it is the hoped, will soon be open to the people as a public park.
61:5
LAKEWOOD PARK
LAKEWOOD PRESS
- JANUARY 3, 1918 Pg. 3
Lakewood's council
may refuse to purchase for park purposes the lake front property of the Robert
R. Rhodes estate at the price stated in the option given by the Citizens Saving
and Trust Company, trustee.
Law Director Curren
in a report to be made to the council Friday night will say the option, though
addressed to the city of Lakewood was taken by the city of Lakewood Chamber of
Commerce without the concurring action of any municipal official. The price
named in the option for the twenty - five acres in the property, which lies
between Lake Avenue and Lake Erie at the foot of Belle Avenue, is $ 250,000.
Curren says he
finds that on April 20, 1916, W.S. Hyden W.L. Robinson and Charles E. Peglar,
as appraisers, valued the property at $ 110,000 and that is placed on the
duplicate for 1917 at a valuation of $ 125,300.
Curren will
recommend that before closing a contract for the property, the city ascertain
that is receiving full value for its money and he suggests that if necessary the
land can be appropriated and the price fixed by a jury.
61:6
LAKEWOOD PARK
(RHODES ESTATE CONDEMNED)
LAKEWOOD PRESS
- JANUARY 24, 1918 Pg. 1
The city council at
its meeting on Monday evening adopted an ordinance to condemn the Rhodes
property for park purposes, instead of purchasing the property as had been
proposed for $ 250,000.
The council was of
the opinion that the price set by the trustees of the property in the option to
the city is entirely too high and that it can be secured for a much lower
figure through appropriation proceedings.
Later in the
evening the mayor suggested that inasmuch as the Chamber of Commerce was
interested in securing the land for park purposes it would ""make the
chamber feel good" if the council took the matter up for discussion with
the chamber. The mayor further stated that the option price fixed a new and
higher value for lake front property and if the city were compelled to pay that
price the valuation of all lake front property should be correspondingly
increased for taxation purposes.
The council by
motion instructed the mayor to present the question to the Chamber of Commerce
at its next meeting on February 5.
After further
discussion the council decided to invite the park committee of the chamber and
the public generally to discuss the question next Monday evening at the city
hall at which time the park committee of the city council will have the matter
under consideration.
The
trustees of the Rhodes estate take the position that is now to late to discuss
the question of price; that the approval of the bond issue last November by the
people carried with it the authority to purchase the property for the price
fixed by the option and that the money so voted by the people can be used for
no purpose other than the purchase of the land in question.
61:7
LAKEWOOD PARK
LAKEWOOD PRESS
- JANUARY 31, 1918 Pg. 1
Many members of the
Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, including President Brewster and Secretary
Bethel, participated in the public hearing on the question of buying the Rhodes
property for park purposes.
Mayor Cook
explained the position of his administration. Ha said he was not opposed to
buying the property, but believed the price was too high. He stated that he
interviewed the trustees of the Rhodes estate and sought to get a lower price,
but this was refused. Mr. Cook admitted that the option was for $250,000 and
that this price was generally known by the voters of Lakewood when they
approved the issue of bonds for the purchase of the property.
Mr. Cook said that
he gave the subject of price no attention during the campaign and that he had
no idea that the price was out of proportion to the value of the premises. He
said that it was on the tax duplicate $148,000, and had been appraised by real
estate men in probate court proceedings at $110,000, both figures being far
from the option price of 250,000.
Rev. Brewster,
speaking for the Chamber, said the chief object is to secure the land, and the
question of price should not be permitted to endanger that purpose.
He said that he was
not conversant with the negotiations which resulted in the taking of the option
by the president of the Chamber, and added that there could be no question that
Judge Lieghly, then president of the Chamber, took the option with
unquestionable motives and for the sole purpose of securing the land for park
purposes.
Mr. Bethel,
secretary of the Chamber, expressed his views, as did also Mr. Logan
Coffinberry, Clayton Tyler, Mr. Bartholomew and Mr. Jackman.
The meeting was
presided over by Mr. Gormsen, chairman of the park committee.
All of the members
of the council were present and each stated he wanted to carry out the will of
the people, but also desired to save money, if possible.
Mr. Cook also
stated that appropriation proceedings have been started and that land on one or
both sides of the Rhodes property might also be appropriated for park purposes.
A
further discussion of the matter will be heard by the Chamber at its meeting
next Tuesday.
61:8
LAKEWOOD PARK
LAKEWOOD PRESS
- FEBRUARY 7, 1918 Pg. 1
Chamber of Commerce
members last Tuesday evening listened to Mayor Cook's explanation of the course
of his administration in reference to the acquiring of the Rhodes property for
park purposes. His remarks followed the line of argument of his speech to the
city council recently on the same subject.
He said that while
the Chamber presented to council and city officials an option on the property
for $250,000, he personally felt that the price was too high, but he did not
want to oppose the bond issue or express an opinion on the price for fear of
incurring the ill will and possible opposition to his election of the members
of the Chamber. He said he believed that most of the candidates for office felt
the same way and that they, too, were fearful of expressing any opinions as to
the price because they might be considered as opposed to the purpose of the
property.
Continuing, Mr.
Cook said that recent sales of Lake Avenue property do not justify the high
price asked for the Rhodes property, ans that the property is on the tax
duplicate for one-half of the amount asked and was appraised in probate court
proceedings for $110,000. The city's option on the property expires March 15,
but Mr. Cook said he thinks the appropriation suit will have been decided
before that time. If the court should fix a price higher than the option the
city could assert its rights under the option and consequently the city has
much to gain and nothing to lose by this suit. Mr. Cook said the trustees of
the property charge the city with sharp practice in this matter and added that
maybe it is sharp practice.
Judge P.L.A.
Leighley, of the court of appeals, former president of the Chamber, took the
floor for the property, read communications between the trustees of the Rhodes
estate and the Chamber. He stated that the question of the price was discussed
by the Chamber, that men familiar with land values had approved the price, that
he with other members of the Chamber laid the matter, including price, before
the council. He said: "I do not like the insinuations and innuendoes now
being made by city officials with regard to the option. Nor can city officials
claim truthfully that they did not know the option price. I do not care whether
you buy the land or whether you do not; I am through with the
transaction."
Former Councilman
Palda stated that he sympathized with Judge Leighley in his position, for the
present attitude of city officials could not do otherwise than cast some
reflection, however unintentional and undeserved, on the good judgement of the
former president of the Chamber. He said it was also unfortunate for the city
to get the reputation of indulging in sharp practices. Too much emphasis should
not be placed on the valuation set by the appraisers in probate court
proceedings, he said, for the reason that so many matters really foreign to the
intrinsic value of the property are taken into consideration, neither should
tax values be taken seriously for every one knows that much depends on the
capacity or incapacity of appraisers in judging values and many properties in
Lakewood are taxed at about 50 per cent of their real values.
The
president of the Chamber inquired if the members desired to make any expression
of sentiment for the guidance of the city administration, but the members
declined to take any action.
61:9
LAKEWOOD PARK
LAKEWOOD PRESS
- FEBRUARY 21, 1918 Pg. 1
Director of Law
Curren informed the council that the suit to appropriate the Rhodes property
for park purposes is set for trial on March 4th next and that his department is
ready for it.
He
stated that a large number of witnesses would be on hand to testify for the
city.
61:10
NAMING OF PARKS
LAKEWOOD PRESS
- JUNE 20, 1918 Pg. 7
Lakewood parks
received official names at the last meeting of the city council on Monday
night. The New Lakeside park at the foot of Belle Avenue, known as the Rhodes
property, which the city has just taken over by the payment of the appraised
price of $214,000, was christened Lakewood Park, a proper and fitting name for
the city's biggest recreation center.
The
name of Scenic Park was changed to Lincoln Park. The names of Wagar Park and
Madison Park respectively, were confirmed on the official records.
61:11
LAKEWOOD PARK
(OPENING OF PARK)
LAKEWOOD PRESS
- JUNE 27, 1918 Pg. 1
There will be one
interesting official act on the program of the Fourth of July at Lakewood Park.
This is the turning over the keys of the park to the city by the representative
of the executors of the Rhodes estate. A suggestion has to come to us that
meets our most unqualified approval and will, we believe, meet the approval of
the entire community of Lakewood.
All concede that
the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, as an organization was mainly responsible for
the plan that is consummated this week in the formal transfer of the property.
Its members worked hard to create public sentiment in favor of the purchase of
the Rhodes property and they worked hard to influence a favorable vote on the
bond issue that was approved by the electors last November. But the man who
worked the hardest and who, more than any single individual in Lakewood was
responsible for the new park is Judge P.L.A. Lieghley, who was at the time
president of the Chamber of Commerce.In season and out of season he worked for
the new park and his influence was potent with members of the organization of
which he was the head as well as with the majority of the citizens of Lakewood.
The suggestion is
this: Judge Lieghley should receive for his distinguished and civic service
some official recognition on the day when the new park, for which he is
responsible, is formally opened next Thursday. When the keys of the Rhodes
property, symbolic of the transfer of ownership are handed over by the
representatives of the Rhodes estate, they should be handed to President S.A.
Brewster of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and by him given to Judge
Lieghley, the former president; after which they will be turned over to Mayor
B.M.Cook, representing the municipality.
A
more fitting recognition of an unselfish and effective bit of public service
could not be conceived on this occasion. Let's all join in paying this tribute
to Judge Lieghley, the father of Lakewood Park, making it a part of the
official Fourth of July program.
61:12
LAKEWOOD PARK
(THE PARK OPENING)
LAKEWOOD PRESS
- JUNE 27,1918 Pg. 1 AND 8
The
twenty - five acres of land on the lake front has been set aside for all time
as the great recreation center for the people of Lakewood. The old R.L. Rhodes
property, which the city is taking over at the cost of $ 214,000, is an ideal
park. Later will come improvements. Under present conditions it may be several
years before this beautiful spot by the lakeside is developed to its full
capacity as a park. But the big thing, the securing of the property itself,
with its high lake bluffs, its handsome old residence, its beautiful spots of
meadow, lawn and grove, has been accomplished.
61:13
LAKEWOOD PARK
(MEMORIAL ARCH PROPOSED)
THE LAKEWOOD
PRESS - JAN. 6, 1919 PAGE 1
The members of the
Chamber of Commerce on Soldiers' Memorial and Reception are making most ambition
plans. At the meeting on Friday night it was proposed that the memorial to be
erected in honor of the Lakewood men who fought in the great world war shall be
in the form of an arch to be located at the Belle Avenue entrance of Lakewood
Park at an estimated cost of $25,000. Plans will be considered at another
meeting of the committee tomorrow night to start subscriptions for the raising
of the money.
The committee will
also arrange for a reception and banquet to be given the returning soldiers and
sailors in the near future.
The
members of the committee are: E. G. Guthery, chairman; Henry M. Calvert,
Captain Walter E. Pagan, E.N. Fairbanks, Captain Edward Dyble.
61:14
PARK BONDS TO
BE ISSUED
THE LAKEWOOD
PRESS - MAR. 6, 1919 PAGE 1
Lakewood will sell
$15,000 more park bonds in order to recoup the park fund. By a vote of the
citizens two years ago a bond issue of $300,000 was authorized for park
purposes. An issue of $215,000 was made last year to buy the Rhodes property,
but these bonds were not sold in the open market. They were accepted by the
Rhodes estate, with the understanding reached with the government that no part
of the bonds should be put on the market while the war was in progress. The
government discouraged all bond issues for public improvements last year,
insisting that only bond issues that could not be avoided should be permitted.
This restriction was made in order to give the government first chance in
selling Liberty Bonds and war saving stamps to the public.
If $15,000 park
bonds are sold, this will enable the city to build up its park fund and make
some minor improvements in the new Lakewood Park and in other city parks. At
the present time there is practically no money whatever for the maintenance of
the parks. There is no present plan to issue the balance of the $300,000 bonds
for park purposes until more vital necessities are met.
61:15
PARKS AND
PLAYGROUNDS
SUBURBAN NEWS
AND HERALD (JULY 17, 1936)
In 1922 the spirit
of play in the streets combined with the growing automobile traffic motivated
the members of Lakewood Women's Club to provide supervised playgrounds for
children during the summer vacation. These women raised $1,000 by subscriptions
in the community, and this money was used to operate playgrounds on the Board
of Education property and the Public Parks.
The years of 1923 -
1924 - 1925 a similar plan was followed with the exception that an
appropriation was made from the treasury of the municipality. In the meantime
laws have been enacted by the general assembly of Ohio permitting communities
to vote special levies for Recreation purposes. In a joint meeting of the Board
of Education and City Council it was decided that the Board of Education would
submit such a levy to the voters in the November election in the amount of 1 -
10 of a mill and then Public Recreation in the community would be in the hands
of the Board of Education.
The Lakewood voters
approved this levy and George E. Bickford of Kenosha, Wisconsin was employed as
Dirctor of Public Recreation, assuming offices on June 1, 1926 and served in
this capacity until 1930. Upon his resignation Miss Sophie T. Fishback was
approved to fill the vacancy. Miss Fishback's resignation became effective
December 31, 1935. The special Recreation levy was defeated by a few votes in
the November 1935 election, but was Resubmitted to the voters in a special
election held February 4, 1936 and approved for the two year period. Charles A.
Foster was Director of Recreation May 1st, 1936.
The money derived
from the Recreation levy is used for children's activities. Adult activities
such as Community Center classes and Adult Athletic leagues have been promoted
on a self supporting basis. Children's activities are now promoted year round
instead of just the summer vacation period.
During the years of
1926 through 1932 eight playgrounds were in operation at eight play fields with
two or three playground supervisors at each play field.
In 1934 Play
Schools were started on a fee basis at five different playgrounds. These
schools were conducted for six weeks periods during the summer.
Summer of 1936 Play
Schools were operated in all 10, play fields or in all of the elementary
schools. These schools were operated from 9 to 12 noon and for children under
the 4th grade with the enrollment of 1500 children. This has been one of the
most successful activities that the Recreation Department has ever sponsored.
The swimming pool
in under the direction of the Recreation Department evenings during the school
year and full time during the summer vacation period. The swimming pool is
operated on a self - supporting basis.
Community Centers
started in 1928 and were in the seven different school buildings at night.
Classes for adults were organized on a self - supporting basis. The following
activities were conducted in these buildings: Men's Gym Classes
Women's Gym Classes
Golf
Bridge
French
Rifle
Art
In 1931 to 1933 a
Day Camp on Wheels was organized on a self- supporting basis. Children enrolled
and met at the Board of Education in the morning and the bus transported the
children at various places of interest throughout Cuyahoga County.
In December 1933
Recreation Hall, formerly Wilson School, was opened. This building was
discontinued in 1935 because of lack of funds to operate it. Various
organizations in the city of Lakewood furnished rooms and the rooms were for
meetings, classes and clubrooms. Building was opened five nights a weeks and
was free to everyone to use. At least a dozen activities were carried on at all
times. The following are some of the services of the Department of Public
Recreation:
1. Assists in
planning parties picnics, and hikes.
2. Furnishes
equipment for picnics.
3. Conducts picnics
for Lakewood organizations
4. Conducts 10 play
schools, 5 full time playgrounds, and 2 full time baseball centers for boys
5. One day a week
at Kiwanis Lodge Camp.
6. Sponsors 20 baseball
teams, 75 basketball teams, 10 hockey teams in connection with the City Ice $
Fuel Ice Rink
7. Conducts various
athletic tournaments.
8. Conducts a
community center program during the winter season.
In the spring of
1930 an Athletic Commission of 5 members was appointed which was to be a
Committee of the Board of Education to serve in an advisory capacity to the
Board of Education on Amateur Athletics. Policies of this Commission was first
to run as inexpensive athletics as possible in order to get as many individuals
- men, women and children playing the game; and to run clean and well organized
leagues.
The following
Amateur Athletic sports were to come under this Commission: Baseball,
Basketball, Hockey, Tennis, Rifle Leagues and any other amateur athletic sports
there was a demand for.
This commission
comes under the Department of Public Recreation of Lakewood Board of Education
and the Director of Recreation serves as Secretary and Treasurer of this
organization.
1930 we started out
with 17 base-ball teams and 23 basketball teams.
1931 there were 46
baseball teams and 42 basketball teams.
1932 there were 72
baseball teams and 76 basketball teams.
1933 there were 104
baseball teams and 76 basketball teams.
1934 there were 142
baseball teams and 85 basketball teams.
1935 there were 197
baseball teams and 80 basketball teams.
1936 there were 200
baseball teams and - basketball teams.
In addition we have
had Hockey and Rifle Leagues.
This steady
increase in baseball, we believe, is due to the policy first set forth. About
70% of our leagues are softball. More time has been spent in building up the
softball because we have had the facilities for it. Our hardball facilities
have been improving from year to year along with our hardball program. Our
entire amateur baseball program at the present time is built to its capacity
for the facilities that we have. The plan for the year 1937 is to increase our
facilities and enlarge the baseball program.
The Department of
Public Recreation operates under 1/10 of a mill levy which was voted on by the
people every 5 years. Money derived from this is to be used for the promotion
of children's activities such as: playgrounds, play schools, swimming pool.
Amateur Athletics
is self supporting. No money from Lakewood tax payer is used for any of these
activities. This money is raised by small entrance fees from teams, and also
from Amateur Baseball Day and Special Nights at the Lakewood Elks Field. We
have been fortunate to make money each year to support this program and we are
getting ready to put on the Amateur Day Drive. This day must produce $2,000.
The Amateur Day
program will be held on Sunday, July 26 at the Harding Stadium and Lakewood
Elks Field. An attractive program of baseball from 11:45 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
will be staged. Tickets have been distributed to all players in the City of
Lakewood. 30,000 tickets have been distributed. We ask the cooperation of the
people of Greater Cleveland in any way that you can in helping to make Amateur
Day a success.
The class AA
Softball league and the Girls' Softball league that will play at Lakewood Elks
Field under the floodlights are likely the fastest softball teams in the state
of Ohio. The Bloomer Girls' team of 1935 competed at the National Tournament in
Chicago and won the 1935 World's Championship. This team again will compete in
the National Tournament this year.
Signed, Chas. A.
Foster
Director of
Recreation
61:16
LAKEWOOD PARK
SYSTEM
BY EDWARD A.
WIEGAND MAYOR OF LAKEWOOD AND DIRECTOR OF CITY PARK SYSTEM.
(This article on
"Parks and Playgrounds" is written by our Mayor, who has the
direction of the Lakewood Park System in charge.) Editor's note: Lakewood needs
more public playgrounds where the development of athletics and outdoor
entertainment may be provided. An active, constructive and permanent policy of
park and recreational facilities ought to be adopted. Administrations
frequently change and the park system suffers because of failure to carry out
the plans of preceding park management. The increasing population requires a
park program continued over a period of years. Therefore, a Lakewood Park
Committee of a permanent nature, composed of ten or twelve representative
citizens, chosen from agencies working for the betterment of Lakewood should be
formed to make a comprehensive study of the need and problem, which, if formed
would make possible by investigation, study and a frequent report of
recommendations a developed program for years to come. This suggestion is made
in order that the people of Lakewood may have the best possible plan for an
ideal park system within our own boundaries. The City of Lakewood has a total
of 114 acres devoted to park uses divided as follows: - Wagar Park - 2 acres
Madison Park - 15 acres Lakewood Park - 25 acres Lincoln Park - 72 acres
WAGAR PARK because
of its small area does not allow of the freedom possible in other parks. It
could more appropriately be termed a play ground for as such it is used
intensely. At present it has tennis court, horse shoe courts, volley ball
court, and playground equipment such as teeters, swings, etc. Plans are under
way to install a comfort station, add a tennis court, and some additional
playground equipment.
MADISON PARK up to
the present time can also be classed as a playground, as it is not adapted for
picnic use. Its playground activities can be developed to greater extent
because of its greater area. The north half is entirely given over to
playground equipment, the southerly half has a fine baseball diamond. In the
winter, part of the north half is given over to ice skating. Plans are drawn
and approved by Council for a combined shelter house and comfort station, and
for a wading pool, and umbrella sheds, and some additional play ground
equipment. Shelter is much needed because there is no shade on the entire
tract.
LAKEWOOD PARK is
one of the finest picnic and recreation spots in Cuyahoga County, because of
its location on the Lake and its many magnificent shade trees. This park has
several groups of playground equipment; tennis and horse shoe courts, and in
the winter a fine skating pond, to which a shelter house has been added. A fine
foot bridge has also been added, which permits crossing over the creek
conveniently and safely. We are planning a wading pool and one or two tennis
courts, and if the funds will permit we should erect at least one and possibly
two shelter houses so that in rainy whether shelter will be provided for
picnicers.
LINCOLN PARK has
been of no benefit since its purchase, except as a dump. However, in the
agreement made with the Metropolitan Park Board provisions have been made
whereby not only a bridge and roads will be provided for, but also a
recreational field developed, and maintained on the bottom, which is quite
level. The plans include provisions for boating, and for ice skating in the
winter. This comprises everything we have, and to what extent we intend to
develop the parks and playgrounds.
It has been said
that a small park should be provided for the southwest section of the City. If
that is deemed wise then no time should be lost, as the only property available
is what is known as the Coffinberry Woods, which I believe is partly in
Cleveland. It has also been often said that the City should acquire at least
part of the Hopkinson property on the west of Lakewood Park. That, I believe,
would be costly and some time in the future.
Very
truly yours, E. A. Wiegand, Mayor.
61:17
COMFORT
STATIONS AND WADING POOLS AND TENNIS COURTS TOO
JAN,12 1924
THEY ARE PLANNED
FOR LAKEWOOD AND MADISON PARK BY COUNCIL
Comfort stations
and wading pools for Madison Park.
Wading pools and
more tennis courts for Lakewood Park.
That's the present
plan of Mayor Ed. A. Wiegand and the members of the city council. And the plan
will make a decided hit with the kids and also with their elders.
The pools will give
more downright pleasure to the youngsters than anything in the playgrounds. And
the cost won't break this city by a long shot.
"Wait until
the sweltering days come," said one of the employees in the Park
Department. "Then you'll see more fun than a box of monkeys, for there'll
be 9,000 kids in the pond - all at one time. Their antics will be the joy of
life. Yes, let's have the pool without loss of time, for school's out and the
kids are restless. "And so are their mothers."
Plans are just
about perfected by City Engineer E. A. Fisher and work on the projects will
soon be underway, thought Mayor Wiegand.
More lights are to
be put up at horse pitching court in Lakewood Park, so that the players may
pitch their heads off day and night.
"What's the
use living if you can't have a little fun?" asks Councilwoman Olive B.
Kirk.
"No earthly
use, " mused Councilman Fred M. Branch, when he was asked about the scheme
to dig holes and fill 'em up with water.
61:18
WADING POOLS
FOR KIDDIES IN MADISON AND LAKEWOOD PARKS
JULY 31, 1924
AFTER THOROUGH
INVESTIGATION ITS FOUND WAGAR PARK IS TOO SMALL
City Engineer Ed.
A. Fisher has submitted his wading pool plans to Mayor Ed. A. Wiegand and to
the members of the rules and ordinance committee of the Lakewood City Council,
Messrs. C. A. Heidloff and H. S. Hart.
Two pools will be
established in Madison Park and one in Lakewood Park.
After looking over
Wagar Park, it was decided by the city officials not to have one there at this
time, they believing that the park is too small in acreage. It may, however, be
decided later to have a pool there, if provision can be made for a piece of
additional ground.
So, you kiddies of
that neighborhood do not be cast down, as you are not as yet officially out of
the running.
"No time will
be lost in getting work started when all of our plans have been fuly worked
out," said the mayor.
Just what kind of
pants our boys are to wear," remarked Councilman Heidloff, "will be
hard to tell, but its a sure shot that none will reach below the knees, when
the lads make a run and jump into the cooling waters.
"Mrs. Olive B.
Knirk, our worthy councilwoman, will know more as to how long the dresses of
the girls should be when they tip - toe into the pools. I'm pleased that the
boys and girls of Lakewood are to have this kind of summer sport."
61:19
MAYOR PRESENTS
PLAN FOR LOCAL PARK EXTENSION
BREAKWATER, BEACH,
BATHHOUSING FACILITIES ARE SUGGESTED _________
SHOW DRAWINGs
__________
FORESTER WALTON
DRAWS PLANS FOR COUNCIL
Mayor Wiegand
presented for council's approval Monday night a plan to beautify Lakewood Park
and provide for a breakwater, beach, bathhouse, and a lake - front speedway to
connect with the similar plan proposed by City Manager Hopkins of Cleveland.
The plans were made
by City Forester Ralph W. Walton, landscape engineer, who estimates that the
completed project will take more than five years time.
The improvement is
planned for the present Lakewood Park, which has an approximate lake frontage
of 950 feet.
PLAN LAKE BOULEVARD
Included in the
proposed development in the extension of Edgewater drive to provide a new east
and west thoroughfare, and construction of a 100-foot speedway that would be
built in the lake in front of Lakewood Park and would serve also as a
breakwater, forming a lagoon for bathing and boating in the summer time and
skating in the winter.
This speedway would
be an important unit when the lake front boulevard, which Cleveland proposes to
build from Edgewater to Gordon Park, is extended west to Rocky River, where the
park board has a large reservation.
Mayor Wiegand and
members of the council and members of the council are confident that Cleveland,
Lakewood and the Metropolitan park board eventually will co-operate in
extending the lake front speedway to Rocky River.
TO EXTEND BELLE
The Lakewood plans
also provide for extending Belle Avenue north to connect with the proposed
speedway.
In Lakewood Park a
memorial garden, conservatory, tennis courts and concealed automobile parking
space are planned.
Mr. Walton's plans
were referred to the council as a committee as a whole, the mayor, and city
engineer. Approval of the United States Army engineers for the proposed change
lake front also is necessary.
Mayor Wiegand
pointed out that the process of filling in for the lake speedway would be
economical, providing a temporary dump which the city needs.
The
Speedway would be ten feet above the water level so that spray would not
interfere with traffic and would help shore conservation, Mr. Walton pointed
out.
61:20
EDWARD ROSS
APPOINTED COMMISSIONER OF PARKS
SEPTEMBER 30
Mayor Hill
announces the appointment of Edward Ross as Commissioner of Parks and Public
Works. Mr. Ross lives at 1630 Clarence Ave. and has been interested in
Lakewood's developments for many years.
When
interviewed, Mr. Ross stated it will be his pleasure to devote a great deal of
time and attention to the recreation features for the children in all parks
owned by the city and to improve, as far as the park fund will permit, where
improvement has been slighted. Mr. Ross will serve without compensation.
61:21
WILL CITY OF
LAKEWOOD BUY LAKE FRONT LAND FOR PUBLIC PARK?
CHANCE TO ACQUIRE
TWO PARCELS; WILL SOON BE TOO LATE TO BE HAD
There are two
parcels of land that the city of Lakewood may buy for park purposes.
But will Lakewood
let the chance go by?
It likely will.
For lake front land
is dear, as money counts.
But some day
Lakewood people will kick themselves for not taking advantage of this opportunity
- an opportunity that never again will present itself.
On the east of
Lakewood Park - the city's beautiful and popular playground - a piece of land
is offered the city council at the market price from a realtor's estimate.
On the west of
Lakewood Park there is also a strip of land that can be bought - a strip that
Councilman Harry S. Hart has had his councilmanic eye on for months. He knows
how valuable that parcel would be if acquired by the city and joined to the
present part.
Bond issue! That's the
solution as to the finances.
But will the people
vote yes?
Those who look to
the future of this town will. Those who care only for the present and a few
pennies will vote no.
And they are the
stamp of citizens who will always go against anything that affects their
wallets to the extent of a dime.
Some day some man
of wealth will buy these two parcels of land on the short of Lake Erie.
And then Lakewood
may whistle.
And Lakewood will
have just what it has now - twenty or thirty acres and no more.
61:22
WOMEN ASK
COUNCIL TO APPOINT SUPERVISOR OF PLAYGROUNDS IN THE PARKS
Mrs. E. H. Fishman
and Mrs. W. G. Waitt, representing the Federation of Mothers' Clubs in Lakewood
visited the Lakewood Council Monday night and requested that an appropriation
be made for a supervisor of playgrounds in the Lakewood Parks. Mrs.Fishman
stated that the matter was called to the attention of the council last Summer
but on account of shortage of funds no action was taken and in the opinion of
the persons interested in the plan it is important that proper supervision be
provided for children playing in the parks.
The matter was
referred to the council committee having in charge appropriations for the
coming year.
The committee also
requested that some arrangement be made to provide two or more skating ponds in
various parts of the city. The request called for an explanation by the
engineer who stated that plans had been considered for skating ponds in Wagar
and Madison Parks, but it has been found difficult to prepare the land so that
the water will not run away before it freezes. The expense in connection with
the preparation of a skating pond was estimated at $300 or more, and Mayor A.
O. Guild explained that if we were to have skating ponds in all parks of the
city the council must make financial arrangements to care for the same as there
is no money in the funds available for the purpose.
Councilman
Gormsen suggested that as the city already owns property in Rocky River Valley,
where there is plenty of water in the winter that arrangements might be made to
construct a skating pond there, and it will not be necessary for the city to
pay for the water used for the purpose, and the only expense be the preparation
of the pond. The matter was referred to the Mayor and Committee on Parks.
61:23
PLAN LAKEWOOD
PARK INSPECTION
TUESDAY,
JANUARY 19, 1926
COUNCILMAN TO MAKE
TOUR FOLLOWING DRAFTING OF PLANS OF IMPROVEMENTS.
Lakewood councilmen
will inspect the site for the proposed waterfront park, plans for which were
submitted at the council session Monday night, during the next two weeks, so
that they will be able to discuss the half - million - dollar project at the
next meeting, February 1, it was announced Tuesday.
The park plan was
prepared by R. W. Walton landscape engineer, under a resolution passed five
months ago and is for the improvements of the present Lakewood Parks.
TEXT ILLEGIBLE
FOR EIGHT LINES OF ARTICLE
... also would
serve as a breakwater, would be an important unit in the boulevard which
Cleveland plans to construct along its lake front.