16
ON EVE OF SECOND FIELD DAY IN LUTHER R. KELKER TRACT
PROMINENT STEELTON MEN PLEAD FOR COMPREHENSIVE PARK SYSTEM
WORKING IN THE WILDV^D
TRAILS AFTER 3 HOURS WORK IN OUR OWN PARK "WE ALL 3MILE A PRETTY VISTA
Municipal League, Civic Club and Prominent Steelton
Citizens Unite in Urging Establishment of An Ade
quate Playground System and More Parks; Want
Comprehensive Plans With Luther R. Kelker Tract as
Nucleus; Leading Residents Give Views on Subject
FORMULATION of a comprehensive plan for the development of an ade
quate system of parks and playgrounds for Steelton, is urged by promi
nent men of the borough through Interviews with the Telegraph to-day.
Ten years ago the tenth of May, last, Luther R. Kelker, a public-spirited
•efOzen. presented ten acres of wooded land to the borough for park purposes.
Until six months ago this tract stood idle. Rank weeds grew up, bram
ble bushes flourished, stately trees lost their beauty through neglect and the
whole place became a rank wilderness.
Then after a campaign of publicity, the Municipal League, an organiza
tion of prominent, public-spirited men of the borough, urged Council to
have plans for the development of the tract drawn. The work was authorized
and Warren H. Manning, the famous Boston landscape architect, who de
signed Harrisburg's magnificent park system, was selected to do the work.
League to the Resoue
When the plans were completed it was found there was not sufficient
funds in the borough treasury to pay for development of the tract. Again the
Municipal League came to the front with the suggestion that a field day be
held in the tract and that all the work be done by volunteers. This was done.
And In this way the development of Kelker Park was started.
Although the volunteers were many and although they toiled hard, one
day was far too short a time in which to transform the briar-covered, neg
lected tract into a pretty recreation spot.
80 to-morrow, under the auspices of the Municipal League another field
day will be held. Again volunteers will grab briar bushes, Irlm trees and
otherwise help get the tract in shape for park purposes.
What wonderful things were accomplished by the volunteer workers at
that time are shown by the photographs snapped for the Telegraph on that
•first field day and reproduced on this page.
Other Recreational Facilities Needed
Development of the Kelker tract alone, however, will not fill all Steel
ton's needs for recreation facilities.
Adequate playgrounds nearer the heart of the rapidly-growing borough
must be established so that the youth of the town may romp in peace and
nafety away from, the speeding automobiles that make playing in streets
dangerous.
Additional park ground should now be obtained to care for the future
growth of the borough. At this time ground is cheap and the opportunities
are ripe for securing land for park purposes. Later on this ground may not
be available except at exorbitant rates.
That these opportunities may not be lost and that Steelton may obtain the
adequate system of parks and playgrounds which her peculiar civic condi
tions make necessary, the Telegraph has obtained the views of a number of
prominent men of the borough on this subject.
May Develop Park at
Trivial Cost—Manning
How Kelker Park may be trens
<orm»d into one of the prettiest
recreation spots in Central Pennsyl
vania, at a trivial cost, was outlined
by Warren H. Manning, the famous
Boston landscape architect, who plan
ned the place, in a recent interview
lor the Telegraph.
"The tract has all the natural requl
*ft«s for a beautiful park." enthusias
tically declared Mr. Manning. "It is'
oxceilently situated on the slopes of |
tiiat deep ravine, with plenty of shade |
FRIDAY EVENING, HARRISBURG TELEGRAPH" OCTOBER 22, 1915.
trees, and a winding stream of run
ning water.
"A few rows of low-growing ever
green trees planted along the western
boundary line of the park would add
attractiveness. Some more trees
should be planted around the music
concourse," suggested Mr. Manning.
Preserve the Trees
He also urged that the beautiful
dogwoods and red buds be preserved in
their natural state. Kelker Park
abounds In these trees which during
certain seasons of the year are cov
ered with beautiful flowers that make
the park a show place of wondrous
beauty.
I The great numb-r of locust trees
[ now growing in the park ehuultl
be gradually reduced until they are
eliminated, said the landscape artist.
Use should be made of the pretty
winding stream that flows down
through the hollow, he urged, by the
construction of a shallow wading pool.
"This could be done at a trivial cost,"
It was pointed out by the expert, "by
building a small mud dam across the
stream near Mohn street. In this pool,
so constructed, the smaller folks who
are now forced to play in the bor
ough streets while speeding automo
biles are whizzing by, could wade and
splash and play to their heart's con
tent—and in safety.
"Older folks could obtain pleasure
from the park If a few tables and
benches were added for picnic pur
poses. Even as It is, however," said
Mr. Manning, "the park is suitable
for outings because there is plenty of
rich green grass."
Bandstand in Park
Mr. Manning was informed of Coun
cil's plan to build a bandstand on the
lawn at Front and Angle streets and
asked whether, in his estimation, it
would not be more advisable to erect
it on the publicly-owned park, instead
of on this private plot.
This suggestion he strongly en
dorsed. "The natural ampitheater in
which the stand could be built in
Kelker Park would cut down the cost
of benches" said he.
"However," said Mr. Manning, 'lf
Council would not care to erect the
bandstand in Kelker Park, they might
still make arrangements for band con
certs there by building a concrete
bandstand.
"This," he explained, "could be
done very cheaply by making a
slightly raised concrete base upon the
site already selected in the park.
Steel or wooden posts could be placed
on each corner to support an awning,
which would protect the musicians
from the elements. This awning
could be removed at will. The musi
cians could sit on chairs which might
be stored beneath the bandstand
floor."
As a closing suggestion, the park
expert said that several lavatories
should be placed on the hill at the
eastern side of the park where they
could not contaminate any streams.
"All these changes and improve
ments," declared Mr. Manning, "could
be made for a comparatively small
sum of money."
Urges Employment
of Park Supervisor
Looking toward the further develop
ment and maintenance of a compre
hensive syslein of parks, playgrounds
and recreation places for Steelton,
Charles R. Holton. secretary of the
Municipal League, In an Interview to
day, suggested that all facilities of this
character, including the Cottage Hijl
athletic field, the Luther R. Kelker
Park and such playgrounds as are
available, or could be made available,
be put in charge of a superintendent
who would devote his entire time to
the work.
Proud of Progress
"I feel," said Mr. Holton, "that we
have every reason to he proud of
I what has been accomplished. The
time of most of those who have been
I active, however, is very much taken
up with business affairs and until
someone is put in the position where
he can devote more than passing at
| tention to the subject, we cannot hope
| to make the best possible headway.
| "My thought is that such a recrea-
I tion supervisor should not only have
; charge of outdoor work but during
' the winter months would plan ankl
carry out indoor entertainments, using
I the school buildings and similar places
;as social centers. In order to achieve
' results, however, the interest and co
| operation of more of our people is es-
I sential. We have a good many boos
[ ters, but need more. Let everyone
i get busy."
Develop Parks For Sake
of Children—McGinnes
In speaking of the value of a com
prehensive park system to the chil
dren of Steelton. Professor L. E.
McGinnes, supei intendent of schools,
| dwelt at length on the value of trees.
• Said he:
"Trees have much to do with the
general welfare of all classes of peo
ple. They have great value on ac
count of their beauty and shade, their
mechanical uses, and for their connec
tion as forests in influencing the flow
of streams. The first work of the
early settler was to out down the trees
to clear a space for his farm. To him
a forest Are waj more of a blessing
than a misfortune. Not so to-day.
Conditions have changed and the vital
importance of tree planting and tree
I. reservation is forced upon the people
all over the land.
"This being true, as a means of pro
tection alone, every child should be
taught to love trees. Nothing would
be better calculated to encourage that
sentiment in Steelton than the further
development of Kelker park. But
there is another higher reason. By
engaging the pupilß of our schools in a
practical study of the trees by the
actual observation and handling of
them in their living state would be
most wholesome to the children them
selves. It would give scope and stimu
lus to their observing faculties; it
would heighten th£ sentiment in favor
of both physical and moral cleanli
ness, and it would cause a deeper
I appreciation of the beauties and won
j ders of nature."
Will Donate Land If
Tract Is Developed
A hint that ground for the site of a
formal entrance to Luther R. Kelker
park may be donated to the borough,
provided development of the tract is
continued, wis given this morning in
an interview with Hurry C. Wright^
of Brightblll & Wright, and president
of the Municipal League.
Mr. Wright was asked whether he
thought the plans of Warren 11. Man
ning, the landscape architect, for the
development of Kelker park could be
fully carried out. These plans, it must
be remembered, include much land in
the proposed park that does not now
belong to the borough.
"I see no reason why Mr. Manning's
plans cannot be carried out to the let
ter," said the Municipal League presi
dent.
"While the architect has been rather
liberal in the use of land not owned
by the borough, I believe that if the
authorities can come to a full realiza
tion of the real need in Steelton for a
comprehensive system of parks and
playgrounds and do their share toward
obtaining then*, then I believe prop
erty owners whose land has been in
cluded in Mr. Manning's plans could
see their way clear to donate this
ground for recreation purposes."
According to the plans drawn by
Mr. Manning, a large slice of land now
owned by Brlghtbill & Wright is in
cluded in the proposed park.
Site for Entrance
This land extends from Sixth and
Swatara streets 10 Kelker park. It
cuts diagonally through a plot about j
700 feet sQuare and is intended to be
used as the site for the formal en
trance to the new park. In the plans
the proposed read would be about fifty
feet wide and would fake an easy
grade from Sixth and Swatara streets
to the park. It is this tract that it is
thought Messrs. Wright and Brlghtbill
would donate to the borough if Kelker
park development is continued.
That his rm would be willing to
donate this tract to the borough pro
vided the municipal authorities took
seme action that showed they intended
to carry out Mr. Manning's plans along
other lines was Intimated rather
strongly by Mr. Wright.
Mr. Wright a Leader
As president of the Municipal League
Mr. Wright has been one of the lead- !
ers In the campaign to obtain a com- '
prehenslve system of parks and play- .
grounds for Steelton. Time and again
when Interest in the project lagged
end folks forgot that there was such a
place as Luther R. Kelker park await
ing development Mr. Wright would ad
vance some scheme that would again
bring the matter before the public.
When the suggestion that field day
exercises be held was made by Warren
H. Manning, since the municipal au
thorities were unable tc provide the !
funds with which to undertake the
development of the tract, Mr. Wright '
was one of the first men to see the
value of the plan and urge Its adop
tion. From the very outset of the
campaign for the first, field day, which '
proved so successful, the Municipal j
League president worked unceasingly
for its success. Not only did he do 1
much toward perfecting the organ- 1
Izatlon of committees, but he lent val- 1
uable aid by undertaking much of the 1
executive work himself.
Results Please Him
Mr. Wright expressed himself as
surprised and greatly pleased with theji
first field day rpsults. He is now of the
opinion that the opportunity should
not be lost to complete development
of the trai't.
"The results of the field day exer
cises," he declared. "show conclusively
i that the people of Steelton want a
park. It's now up to council, I believe,
to complete the project. Of course, I
konw that the borough does not have
much money available at this time for
park development purposes, but I
think it would be a wise plan to look
ahead and set aside a certain amount
of money for park and playground'
purposes each year in the annual
budget."
Wigfield Urges Early
Action on Park Plans
The necessity of at once completing
the development of Luther R. Kelker
park and formulating a comprehen
sive plan for park and playground ex
tension is pointed out by Fred Wig
field, burgess of Steelton.
Since his election to the office of
chief executive of the borough. Bur
gess Wigfiekl has been a staunch ad
vocate of the development of Kelker
park and has repeatedly called atten
tion to Steelton's need for recreation
places for the borough's youth.
"The Municipal League cannot be
commended too strongly," said he,
"for its efforts towards obtaining the
development of Kelker park. 1 was
indeed surprised when I strolled out
there a few days after the field day ex
ercises. Just as it is, Kelker park is a
picturesque spot. Really I can't think
of any place hereabouts that is as ad
mirably fitted by nature for a recreation
place. I sincerely hope that some
way can be found to complete the pro
ject and shall certainly do everything
in my power towards obtaining a com
prehensive park and playgrounds sys
tem."
Civic Club Works For
Additional Playgrounds
One of the strongest backers of the
movement to provide a comprehensive
system of playgrounds and parks for
Steelton is the Steelton Civic Cllib.
For years this organization has urged
the development of Kelker Park and
the opening of several playgrounds.
Until last year, when it was decided
to abandon the plan on account of a
lack of Interest on the part of the bor
ough authorities, the Civic Club con
ducted a playground in the West Side.
Prior to that another play place had
been maintained on Cottage Hill. An
instructress was employed by the club
at its owr. expense.
When the West Side playground was
closed the Civic Club did not abandon
itc activities in behalf of the children.
Instead, an active campaign was com
menced with a view of getting the bor
ough authorities to provide play
grounds. Although as yet there has
been no tangible results from this
campaign the demand for recreation
places for the borough's small folks
is increasing and it will not be long un
til Council will be heady to make some
provision along these lines.
Wants More Playgrounds
Speaking of this need for play
grounds and the development of Kcl-
ker Park, recently, Mrs. J. M. Heagy,
president of the Civic Club and one of
the most ardent supporters of the park
and playgrounds movement, said:
"Our town is 100 big not to have
some provision made for the children.
We ought to have several playgrounds
where the little ones can get off the
street and play in safety. Then, too.
on a regular playground we could
have an instructor who would watch
over the children and direct their
play along systematic lines.
"You know Steelton is woefully be
hind the other places of its size as far
as playgrounds go. And we have so
many other good points that I think
we should at once make some provi
sion for playgrounds that would put tis
in the rank of other cities and bor
oughs. We should keep our children
off the streets and we should allow
them to play where they will not be
menaced by speeding automobiles or
trolley cars."
Outlines Plans For
Comprehensive System
Charles S. Davis, chairman of the
park committee of the Municipal
League, principal of the Steelton High
school and one of the most active
boosters of the park development, in
a statement to the Telegraph outlines
his ideas about park plans. He says:
"No time should be lost in working:
out a satisfactory solution of Steel
ton's park problem. Every wooded
tract within easy reach of the borough
should be acquired with sufficient ad
ditional ground added and planted
with trees to provide park facilities for
the future needs of the town.
Kelker Park First
"The first work before us Is to
beautify and make available the tract
wo now have, the Luther R. Kelker
park. Considerable work has been
done, we hope to see more done on
Saturday, but the large things remain
to do. These include the new street
from Swatara to Spruce and Park ave
nue, a proper entrance at the latter
place, a bridge across the stream, dann
for wading pools, graded driveways,
a bandstand, etc.
Wliat Should Follow
"The second step should he to a«-
quire the wooded tract back of th«»
present park and leading to the Reset*
voir. Some additional land purchase*
there and planted with trees wouU
provide a beautiful hiU-top park.
From the Reservoir a short stretch
would bring us down through tha
wooded ravine In Pine street. Again
from the Reservoir a short stretch
would lead to another partly wooded
ravine running toward the County
Home where conection could be made
with the Harrisburg Parkway.
"The Pine street ravine could be
connected at Harrtsburg street with
the wooded part of the Adams street
ravine, which should also be develop
ed. There are also possibilities of
preserving wooded strips along Swat
ara street. These are all within easy
reach of the heart of the town. Other
tracts lying farther east and west
should also he acquired, thus workinsr
out a comprehensive plan that will do
much for the happiness and welfaro
of our' people."