Box 21, Folder 35, Document 36

Box 21, Folder 35, Document 36

‘School “Will Soon Be Out

School vacation is but eight weeks away,
so it is heartening to learn that this year
Atlanta isn’t likely to be caught flat-footed
in providing recreation for children in pov-
erly neighborhoods.

We remember that last summer a crash
program was needed after schools were out
and that it wasn’t until well into the sum-
mer before even minimum recreation pro-
grams were under way in many of these
areas. But this year we’ve got a head start.
City Parks Director Jack Delius plans to
operate 21 “playlots,” three times as many
as last summer.

However, he is going to have a hard time
staffing these small playgrounds and operat-

Re



ing other programs because federal anti-
poverty funds that helped support them last
year have run out. If these funds aren't re-
stored, the problem addresses itself to local
government, churches, private businesses and
civic groups.

Already there are encouraging signs that
our community will answer this challenge.
More churches are giving money and time to
impoverished neighborhoods. The Rich Foun-
dation made a generous contribution for
portable swimming pools. The Atlanta Vari-
ety Club has opened an area at Lake Alla-
toona for use by slum children.

Other groups are helping and more help
will be needed.

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