MAINTENANCE 



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tools, recreation equipment and structures of various kinds should have a 

 well-equipped repair and construction shop. Some of the advantages of 

 having a repair and construction shop are: 



(a) Repairs and minor construction work can usually be done as soon 

 as the necessity arises without loss of valuable time and done more econom- 

 ically than if farmed out to outside shops. 



(b) In the smaller systems it provides a means of holding the year 

 round some men competent to handle repair and minor construction work 

 who otherwise would have to be dropped when the busy outdoor season 

 is over. In the larger systems competent men whom it is desirable to 

 retain as permanent employees can likewise be given employment at off 

 seasons. 



(c) It enables a thorough overhauling of all machinery, tools, equip- 

 ment in structures, the structures themselves and recreation equipment 

 during the off season from outdoor work, so that with the opening of the 

 active outdoor season the following year all service equipment will be in 

 first class condition for the use of the public. 



(d) A great deal of original construction work can be done economi- 

 cally in the department shop or shops, such as the making of park benches, 



PLATE Xo. 247 

 BARN IN O'FALLON PARK, PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 



