Landscape "Architect'^ Report 7 
other than the daily occupations, such as bathing, games, ball and 
athletics, lawn fetes or children's fairs were given, the profits from 
which are expended on the grounds for furnishings, games, and to 
take the children on picnics to the suburban parks. 
The concerts and moving picture shows given at numerous play- 
grounds were well attended and thoroughly appreciated. 
The Public Library very graciously allowed their story-teller to 
interest and amuse the children with standard tales. At first, child 
like, they were shy, but speedily they were so interested that they 
would drop any occupation to listen to the "Story Lady." 
Athletics. 
Athletic fields, like other playgrounds, are distributed through the 
city, save at greater intervals. 
We have 18 athletic fields accommodating 27 ball diamonds, which 
give our young men ample opportunity to play the national game. 
Other than baseball and football, few amusements have proved 
attractive. In order to procure greater and more satisfactory use of 
these grounds, a Director of Recreation, employed by the Greater 
Cincinnati Amateur Association, was placed under the direction of 
this Board, with headquarters in our administration building. 
The Director of Recreation gave out all baseball permits for Sat- 
urdays and Sundays. Other days of the week the diamonds are used 
without restriction. His efforts were directed toward improving the 
game, its more peaceful procedure, the organization of amateur clubs 
and leagues, proper umpiring and a general high standard of manly 
sp^rt. 
An admirable spirit permeated the clubs, and the season was 
most successful. 
A Gap. 
A gap exists between the playground and the athletic field. 
The child graduates from the playground at the age of 16 years. 
Excepting the most venturesome, the boys do not begin to play on the 
athletic fields for a year or two. The girls equally lack healthy open- 
air recreation, therefore, at the threshold of useful life, the door is 
found locked. Mixed, inexperienced youth must amuse and occupy 
itself or be debarred freedom of action to avoid disaster. No satis- 
factory solution has yet been found to fill this gap. 
Dances. 
An attempt has been made to serve this intermediate stage, the 
one requiring the most care, by instituting evening dances at the 
playgrounds. These dances are self-sustaining. The playground 
instructors gave their time. They charge a penny apiece a dance, and 
the receipts paid for the rather primitive music. The dances were, 
however, enjoyed and well attended. 
