CONSTRUCTION NOTES 



397 



Playground field houses similar to that shown in Plate 196 are con- 

 structed by the Extension Department of the Milwaukee Public Schools on 

 the playgrounds conducted by this department. As in the Chicago school 

 playgrounds it has been found desirable to have a structure especially de- 

 signed for playground use, instead of using the regular school buildings. This 

 type of building is equally suitable for park playgrounds. In the design of 

 all these field houses in Milwaukee the following basic principles are involved: 



(i) Girls' toilet on the girls' side of the playground, boys' toilet on the 

 boys' side of the 

 grounds. These 

 are located, if pos- 

 sible, on opposite 

 sides of the build- 

 ing. (2) Outside 

 entrance to the 

 toilets leading first 

 into a vestibule. 

 (3) Instead of sep- 

 arate closet for 

 play material, 

 spacious cup- 

 boards are built in 

 these vestibules. 



The reason for this is to bring the play leaders into the vestibule as often as 

 possible, so that frequent supervision of the toilets is possible. (4) Assem- 

 bly room (warming room during the skating season) across the front of the 

 building, with entrances into the vestibules. During the summer season 

 these entrances leading from the assembly room are kept locked. During 

 the winter, when the warming room is in constant use, the outside entrances 

 to the vestibules are locked. (5.) The field houses are entirely of brick with 

 tile roof, giving a substantial sanitary and attractive structure. In the toilet 

 rooms, tile and marble are used exclusively. The initial cost of these build- 

 ings is high, but because of the negligible upkeep costs it is believed that 

 they are cheaper in the long run. 



Recreation Buildings. This designation is intended to cover such park 

 buildings as are designed primarily for general recreational use. They 

 usually provide gymnasium, showers and dressing room facilities, and 

 frequently include an auditorium with stage, game rooms and clubrooms 

 for use of community groups. Before preparing or approving plans for a 

 recreation building, a careful study should be made of the needs in various 

 features in order to determine what facilities should be provided. Louis E. 



PLATE No. 196 



PLAYGROUND FIELD HOUSE, AUER AVENUE PLAYGROUND, 

 MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 



