USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Quincy > Inaugural address of the mayor, with the annual report of the officers of the city of Quincy for the year 1932 > Part 15
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Manet Lake
One of our natural skating ponds, cleaned out weeds and other growth, then flooded. Hockey rink erected and equipped with goal nets.
Rink used by teams in the Amateur Hockey League.
William Cushing Baker Park
This popular combination bathing beach and playground proved to be a popular place for the gathering of young and old. A shel- ter was erected on the beach to enable the little tots to play in the sand out of the hot sun. Through the courtesy of the Quincy Yacht Club and Commodore Finlay, a raft was loaned to the Park Department for which the swimmers were very grateful.
The life guard at the beach served as a supervisor also, two weeks as volunteer and four weeks paid. Owing to the many small children using this beach a life guard should be in attendance all through the bathing season after school closes in June to Septem- ber.
This playground could stand about three inches more grading with a good sub-soil free from stones to cover the gravel surface as at present.
Adams Shore Playground
Located in the rear of the school, proved a popular gathering place for the children of this district, supervised by one male in- structor two weeks volunteer and four weeks paid.
Tupper's Beach
At the request of citizens in this section the park department took over supervsion of this beach, cleaned it up and gave it at- tention during the summer season. This is the only public beach in this section and used by a large number of citizens. The Board recommends that it come under the care of the department and re- ceive regular attention. The work done last year was much appre- ciated.
James S. Perkins Park
This field in the Merrymount section proved to fill the required activities of this district being used for baseball and playground
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recreation. During the season the field was dedicated to James S. Perkins, principal of the Merrymount School, who has a long and honorable record as a teacher in the Quincy schools. Mr. Per- kins and his good wife were present and he spoke at his own dedi- cation. It was conducted by the Merrymount Improvement Associ- ation and attended by leading citizens and school leaders of our city.
During the dry months of the summer there were considerable complaints received from abutters to this field on the dust nuisance on windy days. In an attempt to allay this, the Board ordered calcium chloride spread. This gave only temporary relief. We recommend a three-inch spread of loam and grass top as the only sensible solution and the most economical in the long run.
Cranch School
The yard of the Cranch School, a well-shaded spot, has proved a popular place to erect apparatus and conduct supervised play. Re- cently enclosed by the School Department with a chain link fence, it was a safe place for the large number of children in this dis- trict who were regular attendants. One male supervisor in at- tendance six weeks, two weeks volunteer and four paid. The cur- tailing of art crafts was greatly felt in this section as the children showed a great deal of interest in this feature.
Ward 2-Fore River Field
With the taking of the Ward 2 playgrounds by the Public Works Department for use as a gravel pit, leaving this section without a play field, the offer of the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corp. of the Fore River Field was most timely. After considerable agitation on the part of people interested, the Council, with the recom- mendation of the Park Board, accepted the field under the Park Act, giving this district something back which they had enjoyed in years past.
The Park Board recommends the repair of the club house, the installing of a custodian, tear down the board fence and erect a chain link fence where necessary to protect abutters. Purchase 1,000 portable bleachers which will serve as a two-fold purpose being shifted for the use of baseball and football. Repair and equip the tennis courts and grade the baseball diamond which will give this section one of the finest athletic centers in the city.
North Street Playground
Ideal shaded spot for children to safely play during the summer months. Received weekly attention of park workers.
Quincy Point Bathhouse
Owing to the condition of the bathhouse and the damage caused by a fire, no activity was encouraged by the Board at the bath- house this year. Because of the terrible condition caused by the heavy trucks to the roadway leading into the beach and the un- sightly appearance of the gravel pit, it was felt an expenditure of money on this particular project would be wasted. As matters stand now, it is recommended the bathhouse be torn down and the lumber used by the city in furthering the building of some comfort stations on our various playgrounds.
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Avalon Beach
This beach, as in other seasons, proved a popular resort for the citizens of this district. Life guard in attendance who held daily classes in swimming. The swimming carnival, sponsored by the Association of Quincy Point, was held on Sunday, August 28. It proved to be a big success, and upwards of 10,000 people were in attendance. Prizes were awarded in all events. Members of the Park Board acted as judges.
A custodian was in attendance at all times, his duties being to keep the beach clean and take care of the comfort station. The Board was fortunate in procuring the services of a matron who had experience as a nurse. She rendered valuable service in the many cases of first aid.
The life guard was responsible for the saving of several children from drowning, which proved to be a good investment.
This beach is the most used of any beach under park supervi- sion. There should be no curtailment of any of the present advan- tages now in vogue here. A new water chute to take the place of the present one, which is beyond repair, would be a welcome ad- dition.
Whiton Park
A beauty spot. Shrubs and grass plot under care of park work- ers.
Pollard School
Combination picnic tables erected. Playground apparatus re- paired and replaced. Pathway built with stepping-stones, making it one of the most ideal playgrounds naturally shaded in the city. One instructor in attendance six weeks.
Daniel Webster School
This small playground in the rear of the school has proved a welcome solution to the problems of the people in this district. Well attended during the playground season, which extended two weeks under volunteer supervision and four weeks paid.
Elm Street Playground
Strictly a children's playground, a most popular one, supervised by one male instructor; well shaded, an ideal spot for supervised play. Settees, sand box painted. The Park Board recommend that this playground be dedicated the coming year to some outstand- ing war veteran or citizen. This is in keeping with our idea that playgrounds are the most appropriate memorials.
Ward 3-Robert Burns Monument
Keep statue clean and cut grass; spotlights here for night light- ing.
Bradford Street Playgrounds
One single tennis court in constant use, new nets provided, court marked, unsupervised. A popular gathering place for the young people. One male supervisor provided two weeks volunteer and four weeks paid. Flood lights erected for City League. Teams for night practice. One of the unnamed playgrounds which should
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be dedicated this year. New backstops recommended for tennis court.
Henry L. Kincaide Park
Largest attended playground in the city. Two male instructors in attendance six weeks, two volunteer and four paid. Used for baseball, football and other sports in season. Flood lights erected for football practice. Formerly known as the Ward 3 Playgrounds, this field was dedicated to Henry L. Kincaide, Spanish War Veteran, statesman and beloved citizen and resident of the Ward 3 section.
With the cooperation of the John A. Boyd Camp, Spanish War Veterans, one of the most colorful affairs ever held in the city was the culmination of many weeks' planning, a street parade in which veteran organizations from all over New England took part. Dignitaries, national, state and city, attended to pay homage to Henry L. Kincaide and his family. The field was dedicated and consecrated to clean sports.
Ward 4-St. Moritz
The State reservation in the Blue Hills, the winter playground of the South Shore. The Park Board cooperated with the Blue Hills Recreation Club to obtain betterments from the Metropolitan District Commission.
The unseasonable winter of 1931 made it impossible to sponsor winter sports to any great extent, but what opportunity there was found the Park Department ready to furnish toboggans, prepare the slide, erect the hockey rink when the opportunity presented itself.
In this beautiful spot it seems that with the two ponds a bird sanctuary could be encouraged by the Metropolitan District Com- mission. Various kinds of water fowl put in the ponds, as is now done on the north shore, giving this section the same advantages for our younger children and making St. Moritz worth visiting in the summer months.
John J. O'Rourke Park
Baseball and football were the leading activities on this beauti- ful grass-covered field. In the spring the infield received its usual attention for good ball playing, equipped with bases, bleachers re- paired and painted. Many complaints received from abutters, foul balls damaging their property. The Board recommended that the Council furnish an appropriation to help remedy this, but it was tabled.
One of the most notable dedications ever held in Quincy was this one-John J. O'Rourke, a disabled World War Veteran, former athlete, who before the war was a prominent figure on the field that bears his name. He was present in person, accompanied by his wife and family. The affair was in charge of the Cyril P. Mor- rissette Post, No. 294, American legion, who conducted a street parade prior to the dedication after which an official American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps competitive drill was held with Drum Corps entered from all over the state. The Rockland Post received first honors. John J. O'Rourke was presented with a gold watch by his comrades of Morrissette Post.
With the same spirit that carried him through the World War, to his present courage to carry on in his disability, the field was affectionately dedicated.
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Playground
The playground season was of six weeks' duration, with one male instructor in charge with the same arrangements of two weeks volunteer and four paid as existed on other playgrounds.
The Board recommends that some relief be planned for the abut- ters from damage by foul balls.
Shea Park
Proved a popular place for hundreds of children in this section. One male instructor with same arrangements as other play- grounds. Some complaints received by abutters to discontinue this park as playground. Recommend that the park be completely en- closed with a chain link fence.
Ward 5-Merrymount Park
Fifteen acres of natural beauty, making it one of the most beau- tiful parks in the state, with a pageant field, bathing beach, soccer field, football gridiron, cinder track, baseball fields, tennis courts, picnic grove and band shell.
Third Field
Picnic benches erected in convenient spots. Permits issued for outings every week-end during the summer and early fall. Con- siderable work as an aid to unemployed was put in on this field the past season. New roadways laid out and resurfaced, beach cleaned up and filled in. Pavilion and refreshment booth moved to section which will be set aside for picnics. Playground apparatus installed, making it an ideal place for Sunday schools and other organizations to hold annual outings. Pageant field ploughed, re- graded and seeded. Can be used as a football field and baseball diamond when the grass turf becomes established.
This field was the gathering of the largest crowd in the history of Merrymount at the carnival and bonfire sponsored by the St. Francis Court of Foresters of America on the evening of July 3, when upwards of 50,000 people gathered to celebrate the night be- fore our national holiday. Owing to inclement weather the festivi- ties of July 4 were postponed to July 6, when the duplicate of July 3 crowd were present to witness the display of fireworks. Through the efforts of the Employment Service Bureau, a bridge was built over the Creek between the park and Wollaston, making it possible for people living opposite the park to take a short cut.
Recommend that a charge of $5.00 be made to all who apply for permits to use the refreshment booth.
Band Shell
After considering the agitation on the part of music lovers, through the cooperation of the Employment Service Bureau, the Mayor, City Council, and the recommendation by the Park Board as an aid to unemployment, the ground was broken for a first- class Acoustic Band Shell, it was completed. A series of band con- certs started by Walter Smith and his band in June.
The opening night was a gala affair, with Franko Goldman as guest conductor. Music lovers from near and far in attendance, graced by the attendance of national, state and city dignitaries. William K. Embleton turned over the shell to Mayor Thomas J.
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McGrath, who received it in behalf of the city. The ceremonies were broadcast over WEEI.
The series of concerts were put on twice a week up to the middle of August and, while they were always well attended, the proceeds did not cover the expense of the venture. With much regret, they were discontinued by Mr. Smith.
Several concerts were conducted by various bands in the city. The Quincy Patriot Ledger used the Shell to announce the returns of a world's heavyweight boxing match championship.
The Board recommends that next season local bands be encour- aged to stage a concert every Sunday evening during the summer season.
Bowling Green
As it requires two years to properly establish a turf on the Bowling Green, this addition to park activities will be ready in the spring of 1933, providing a long-felt want for older citizens to en- joy outdoor sport along with the younger people on this beautiful park.
Recommend a caretaker be appointed to supervise and issue per- mits for the green.
Second Field
This field was used for baseball, soccer and parking.
The pond, which has been more or less a nuisance and breeding place for mosquitoes, has been filled in. A new baseball field should be laid out to help the over demand of the upper field.
Welfare Department built a new road, sidewalks through the field, which will greatly add to the appearance.
Upper Field
This field was in constant use during the spring and summer for baseball and soccer.
The baseball field was put in excellent condition by having a turtle-back diamond in the infield built and treated with calcium chloride.
The bleachers, backstop and players' benches were painted and repaired.
The dressing room under the bandstand was equipped with hooks and a shower bath installed. New fence built along drive- way. Tool house enlarged, equipped with necessary implements to properly carry on the work.
The baseball field was used by the Quincy Amateur Baseball League, South Shore League, amateur, semi-pro teams. Posts erected to keep autos off the playing field. Outfield seeded, fer- tilized and watered, which made this field a beautiful sight from Hancock Street for people passing through our city.
The crowning feature of the season was the visit of the Boston Braves, National League Baseball Team, who played on all-star city league team in a benefit game for the Sons of Italy and the St. Ann's Building Fund.
With the cooperation of the Quincy High School Athletic Associ- ation, who loaned 700 portable bleachers, and the workers in the Park Department who labored against great odds when a heavy shower washed out the work that had taken all day to accom- plish, the game was staged before a gathering estimated at 10,000. The play-off games in the City League and South Shore were also played on this field.
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CITY OF QUINCY
Tennis Court
It was in constant use at all times under the supervision of a caretaker. Backstops repaired and new nets provided. Caretaker on duty 14 weeks.
Pfaffmans Oval
A natural spot to view athletic contests. During the summer every effort was made to get the best playing surface possible. With this in mind all activities were restricted and no trespass signs posted. The surface was regraded, seeded, rolled and fertil- ized. No permits were issued until the football season in the fall. No flood lights erected as in years past the field was reserved for football games only.
Sundays and holidays during the football season the Quincy Amateur Football League sponsored by the Park Board drew an average of 3,500 spectators to each game, the field being roped off with a wire cable on each side and policed for each game.
Field House
A park this size should have a field house equipped with dress- ing rooms, shower baths, a storage room for park equipment. As this is centrally located, it should have a room for the Board to hold weekly meetings and properly carry on the growing activities of the Department.
Park Roadways
The two roadways leading into the park have been the cause of a real dust nuisance on windy days. Late last summer a new crushed stone surface with penetration of tar was made possible by Welfare Workers under the supervision of the Public Works. It is hoped that the dust nuisance will thus be eliminated.
Pine Island
A bridge to Pine Island will open up this popular picnic grove to the public. At present it can only be reached by boat-the bridge was wrecked four years ago by ice and tide. Would recommend that a pontoon bridge be erected for summer use and pulled ashore during winter months.
The Quincy Boy Scouts derived a great deal of pleasure from this grove, using it as a camp ground during the spring, summer and fall months.
Wollaston School
The playground facilities are available only during the super- vised playground season. Playground yard enclosed with chain link fence and resurfaced with amiesite by the School Department, making conditions better for supervised play. One male super- visor furnished over a six weeks' period.
Massachusetts Fields
During the supervised playground season this is one of our most successful centers of activity. The children entered into the spirit of organized play to such an extent that they again carried off honors in the Inter-Playground Track and Field Meet held at Pfaffman's Oval in August. Russell Gray was the instructor in charge and deserves the highest commendation.
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REPORT OF PARK DEPARTMENT
During the off season this playground has been one of the prob- Jems of the Park Board. Many complaints have been received, among which were vandalism, ungentlemanly conduct, rowdyism, baseball games and football games. The Board were forced to stop playing baseball and football as this is strictly a children's playground.
The Police Department had to be notified to help regulate the conduct of the boys on the complaint of abutters.
Butler's Pond
Butler's Pond, flood lights erected, ice cleared of snow and flooded when necessary for good skating. Many complaints re- ceived from abutters who claim refuse and rubbish are being thrown into the pond, causing a foul odor to arise.
Recommend the pond be cleaned out and signs posted, "No Dumping Allowed."
Safford Park
Considered the most striking of the small parks, well shaded, laid out with shrubs and flower beds, well cared for by the park workers. Suggest that permanent cement settees be placed here so that the people in this section can enjoy its beauty.
Ward 6-Montclair Playground
No work of a permanent nature was attempted on this field still in process of construction. At this writing the brook has been cov- ered. With the coming of spring work should be started with a view to completing this long delayed project. Shelter built over sand box. Horseshoe pitching for young and old popular feature. Propose to build a regulation horseshoe pitching court this year. One supervisor in attendance during season. Excellent results. Should be dedicated and named after some veteran or leading citi- zen.
Welcome G. Young Park
Formerly known as the Ward 6 playground. This is an excel- lent plot of land and was much used. Owing to numerous com- plaints, ball playing was restricted to smaller boys. This play- ground had two instructors and ranked with the highest in at- tendance. Flood lights installed for football practice. Used by North High School for football work-outs.
Tennis courts under supervision from July to October and were in constant use by the tennis players in the north end of the city.
On Sunday, May 29, this plot was dedicated to Welcome G. Young, former councillor from Ward 6, who was a lover of chil- dren. During his lifetime he was a mover in Christmas parties, and celebrations on July 4 for the young people. An appropriate program with people of the district, members of the Young family, former colleagues in the City Council, city officials, friends and neighbors, the playground, on which he spent many happy hours, was dedicated to Welcome G. Young, lover of mankind and the children of Ward 6.
Norfolk Downs Sand Pit
Discontinued as a playground, apparatus moved to Dennis J. O'Neil Park. Shelter moved to Baker Playground at Germantown.
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CITY OF QUINCY
Dennis J. O'Neil Park
In constant use as a baseball field used by the North High School, city baseball league and independent teams in the Ward 6 section. Many complaints received as a dust nuisance, calcium chloride gave temporary relief. No permits issued for football. Three inches of sifted loam should be spread in spring, grass seed sown to eliminate dust and make a football gridiron for use of North High School in fall.
Playground apparatus moved from sand pit to section shaded by trees making an ideal place for children to play. Six weeks' pro- gram of supervised play in charge of one male instructor. Good attendance and many activities encouraged.
Recommend that a fence be built to protect abutters' property near this section.
John Wendall Moses Playground
Squantum, popular playground of the district, baseball, foot- ball and tennis leading sports. Field used by playground teams, home field of Squantum A. C. in both baseball and football. Flood lights provided for football practice. Infield put in condition in spring and maintained through season. Playground apparatus moved from range of playing field.
Outfield should be graded up to the level of infield, which will make it one of the fastest fields in district. Move field marker at present in right field over to road near the school. Refreshment stand built and land graded near the third-base bleachers. Leech drains installed near backstop.
Playground season under supervision of one male instructor. Was very successful.
Tennis Courts
Considerable work accomplished on this court. Playing surface of stone dust laid and rolled. Two new tennis nets, tapes, roller and hose furnished. Caretaker in charge during season who regu- lated play and issued permits.
As briefly as possible the Board has stated the needs and ac- complishments of the parks in the various wards. It is our sin- cere desire that some of the recommendations be worked into the program for the coming year.
Daily Program for Playgrounds
NINE O'CLOCK
Flag raising. Arrange swings and see-saws.
NINE-FIFTEEN TO TWELVE O'CLOCK
Playground games for smaller children.
NINE-THIRTY
Baseball for large boys (league). Indoor baseball for small boys. Folk dancing and plaground games for girls.
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REPORT OF PARK DEPARTMENT
ONE O'CLOCK
Modeling in sand, bean bag, ring toss for small children. Quoits, croquet for larger boys. Croquet, weaving for girls.
ONE-THIRTY
Baseball, indoor baseball, volley ball, slug ball (league for girls), weaving for girls. Calisthenics daily when a large number of chil- dren are on the playground, tennis.
THREE-THIRTY
Playground games for boys and girls. Safety campaign instruc- tions.
Pledge of Allegiance
Take down flag at sunset.
Recreation
The last year has been one of unusual interest and activity in our recreation and playground development. The playground movement, originally limited to the providing of play space for children, is steadily broadening and is gradually solving the prob- lems of organizing and influencing the recreation for adults as well as children.
The Park Board have tried to follow out the following program:
To help individuals to learn games and obtain such skill in ath- letics as shall make such activities a lasting pleasure.
To provide occasions when all interested in the neighborhood can come together to share in neighborhood games and athletics.
To make sure that suitable buildings and grounds are available for games, athletics, for winter as well as summer sports.
To help churches, lodges, the American Legion and other groups in using games and athletics to give their own members greater advantages and make their own meetings more attractive.
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