Hon. GAYLORD NELSON, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. DEAR SIR: I have your communication of June 15 pertaining to legislation for funds to various governmental agencies to utilize unemployed workers on conservation projects such as park development, etc. If funds were available, we could use 400 or 500 workers on a program in the city of Pittsburgh. We have worked out a list of specific projects that can be undertaken without extensive design preparation. Our projects are those which would take a maximum amount of manpower in proportion to supplies and material costs such as landscape work on various recreation areas, drainage work, tree work, miscellaneous planting throughout our parks, and the establishment of a green belt on the unbuildable hillsides which surround our city. can assure you that legislation providing funds for such work would meet with a hearty approval of the city administration and city council. Yours sincerely, ROBERT J. TEMPLETON, Director. DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION, Hon. GAYLORD NELSON, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR NELSON: I have given considerable thought to your request for suggestions for utilization of unemployed workers in the Philadelphia Department of Recreation. We have 345 recreation facilities which include playgrounds, parks, swimming pools, recreation centers, athletic fields, game courts, ice rinks, John F. Kennedy Stadium, Tinicum Wildlife Preserve, and others. The kinds of projects that could be accomplished without extensive preparation would be the bringing to a current state of completion many improvements to the facilities and maintenance work that it is impossible to do with the present limited staff of this department, and the boards and commissions that are connected with it. Specific projects could be: Removal of dead trees, shrubbery trimming, painting of playground equipment, equipment repaired, painted, and cleaned, reconditioning of athletic fields, painting the parks, painting of game courts, and other assistance to the present park and recreation staff. The number of man-years of work which may be utilized in the immediate future, I would estimate to be 500. I hope these suggestions and comments are helpful to you in drafting legislation to provide funds for this purpose. If you have any further questions, I will be pleased to hear from you. Sincerely, ROBERT W. CRAWFORD, GREENSBURG RECREATION BOARD, Hon. GAYLORD NELSON, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR NELSON: Thank you for your letter of June 12 concerning legislation to provide funds to utilize unemployed workers on conservation projects. This would be most welcome to us, as at the present, we have more than 200 acres in our community yet untouched due to the lack of funds available to develop them. Incidentally, we are classified as a distressed area and have our share of unemployment. In answer to your questions: 1. We could, as stated above, use a substantial number of workers in our program. 2. A nature center for outdoor education. (A survey by the National Audubon Society has already been made on one of our 50-acre plots.) 3. My estimate of the number of man-years of work would be 5 years. At the present time, the State of Pennsylvania has a CWT program (com. munity works training) for the department of public assistance, but it hasn't gotten off the ground here. If I can be of further assistance, Senator, please do not hesitate to call on me. Sincerely yours, WALLACE J. KALLAUGHER, Director. Hon. Senator GAYLORD NELSON, Washington, D.C. BUREAU OF RECREATION, CITY OF READING, HONORABLE SENATOR: In reply to your letter of June 15, 1964, relative to the use of unemployed workers on conservation projects, I offer the following information. The city of Reading is very fortunate in having a mountain area with over 2,000 acres of land. This area has been developed into a recreation and park area which is used by the citizens in this area. This project was done in 1932 to about 1938 with the assistance of the WPA. Since this time, very little has been done to improve this area. We definitely could use assistance in using unemployed people to help repair the existing facilities, clean out new areas, construct park benches, railing, and all other conservation projects. As many as 20 men could be put to work for a period of 5 years and not complete all the work that could be done. Some of the specific projects that could be accomplished would be the setting up of nature trails, cleaning out the underbrush and cleaning the forest in general, establishing fire trails, camping areas, and picnic areas. We are also attempting to establish a playground in this area for the cerebral palsy and handicapped. Since we have very little money, we are seeking the assistance of the U.S. Army Reserves and other citizens' groups to help complete this project. If we had unemployed workers on conservation projects, they could easily accomplish this task. Also, the Schuylkill River flows through the city of Reading. Along its banks are numerous areas which could be developed into small park and recreation areas. Again, this is a question of clearing out underbrush, cutting dead trees, leveling off ditches, etc., planting grass, constructing park benches, tables, etc., that go into making up a park area. Again, approximately 20 men could be used on this project for at least 5 years without running out of work to do. This project has been talked about and is being considered by a county park board; however, due to the lack of finances and other problems, it will be many, many years before it can be undertaken. A conservation project could speed up this work. Within the immediate vicinity of our community, there are three lakes, each approximately 65 to 75 acres. At the present time, these lakes are used for park purposes; however, many improvements and many additions to these areas are needed. These projects could be speeded up by a conservation working force. I estimate that 10 men could work for a period of 5 years to complete this project. As you will note by the above, we definitely could use the assistance of unemployed workers on conservation projects. If further information is needed, please contact me and I will gladly comply. I am wholeheartedly in accord with your idea. Sincerely, STEWART L. MOYER, Superintendent of Recreation. DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND PUBLIC PROPERTY, Senator GAYLORD NELSON, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR NELSON: In reference to your recent letter pertaining to possible legislation relative to utilizing unemployed workers on conservation and recreation projects; over the period of the next 5 years our department could use the services of 100 extra workers; that is, 500 man-years. In periods of depression (let's not go through that again) our department can absorb up to 2,000 extra men. The specific type of programs would vary with the seasons in order to accomplish the maximum results. All projects would fall into the conservation and recreation category; stream improvement, park rehabilitation, park development, tree disease control, etc. Sincerely yours, J. J. GACKENBACH, Superintendent of Parks. YORK RECREATION COMMISSION, Re Federal funds for park employment program. Senator GAYLORD NELSON, U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR NELSON: York has an undeveloped natural park of 25 acres that requires development. We also have grass seeding, tree planting, and park maintenance work in the city not presently being cared for. It would be my estimate that full employment for the spring, summer, and fall program could be provided for 18 to 25 men if funds were available. The York Recreation Commission has actively sponsored "Youth on Call," an employment promotion project for youth, due to the fact that so many out-ofschool youth are unemployed. A Federal program for this age group is of prime importance. These young people learn life habits at this age. Opportunities for employment are essential to their development into responsible adulthood. I personally feel that a Government work program is most essential for youth. Enclosed are some bulletins on our local program. SYLVIA C. NEWCOMBE, Executive Director. Hon. GAYLORD NELSON, Washington, D.O. HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP RECREATION COMMISSION, DEAR MR. NELSON: Our recreation program covers an area of 95 square miles and we serve a population of 35,000 people. If such funds would be available, we would utilize such people in maintaining our 33 playgrounds. At the present time, we depend on volunteer help for such work and most of the time these volunteers bave other work to do. We would use these unemployed people to paint equipment, cut grass, construct baseball-softball fields, construct and install baseball backstops, install equipment, and general maintenance of our facilities; such as, raking and draging ballfields. This type of work is being done now by volunteers but, if we had such a work force, the caliber of work would be much better and we would be sure that this work would be done on schedule. It is hard for me to estimate the man-years of work available. I would say that we could keep a force of 12 men working a 40-hour week for the months of April, May, June, July, August, and September. I hope that this information proves satisfactory and that such legislation will be passed. Feel free to contact me at any time if the need arises. Sincerely yours, DONALD F. MOSHER, Director. LATROBE PARK AND RECREATION BOARD, Hon. GAYLORD NELSON, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR NELSON: May I apologize for not responding immediately to your communication of June 15, 1964. However, the park and recreation people are extremely busy at this time of the year. May I compliment you on your proposal to utilize unemployed workers on conservation projects. We, the Latrobe Park & Recreation Board, participated in a similar project, Pierson Act 937, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, from 1954 to 1959, and the benefits were twofold. The project accelerated the development of park and recreation areas within our municipal boundaries. It also had several apparent benefits, particularly moralwise for the assignee. The local program was terminated due to Westmoreland County, political, and big-union pressures. Several attempts to join in participating in Governor Scranton's relief works and rehabilitation program has resulted in the same type opposition. The sad commentary on the local picture is that the unemployed workers project, 1954-59, laid the groundwork for the subsequent expenditure of over $300,000 in private and tax moneys for capital improvement in the recreation areas of the community. This fact makes little or no impression on those persons sitting on the policymaking board of public assistance. We, the park and recreation board, would probably participate in such a Federal program. Our parks, playgrounds, and other facilities will require constant attention and planning to keep pace with public demand and usage. Very truly yours, HAROLD L. DEICHERT, Park and Recreation Director. MONROEVILLE RECREATION BOARD, Hon. GAYLORD NELSON, Washington, D.C. MY DEAR SENATOR NELSON: Your request of June 15 regarding specific information on possible utilization of unemployed workers on conservation projects has been received. I appreciate your confidence in making this request of me and I hope to complete this project by the end of this next week and I shall have it in your hands soon thereafter. Good luck with your work on the bill and I am quite sure that it will answer a real need. Sincerely yours, WARREN D. PFOST. RHODE ISLAND RESPONSES STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS, Hon. GAYLORD NELSON, Washington, D.C. DIVISION OF FISH AND GAME, DEAR SENATOR: I believe the program you envision has tremendous merit not only from the economic angle of putting the unemployed to work, but in giving conservation activities a much needed assist. We have no up-to-date estimate of manpower required to complete pending conservation programs, but a few years ago we got together an estimate at that time. Revising that estimate slightly we came up with 85 man-years. This work would be primarily on State owned or leased areas and includes wildlife habitat improvement consisting of thinning and clearing vegetation to release desirable species, creating forest openings, planting trees and shrubs, etc.; stream improvement, consisting of bank stabilization, devices to create pools, stepovers, etc.; and shellfish management. The latter probably differs from the work of most agencies and consists of removing perfectly good shellfish from water that is contaminated by domestic pollution and placing it in clean waters where, after a period of time, the shellfish is safe for human consumption. Very truly yours, THOMAS J. WRIGHT, Chief. CITY OF PROVIDENCE, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PARKS, Providence, R.I., June 22, 1964. Hon. GAYLORD NELSON, U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. MY DEAR SENATOR NELSON: In reference to your letter of June 15 regarding your conservation projects, the city of Providence and the Rhode Island Zoological Society are working to upgrade our displays of animals. Contemplated is a moated North American Plains exhibit and mountain lion display. These projects would require at least 100 man-years to complete. Landscape: Another project will be the revitalizing of various areas here in the park by planting pine, hemlock, rhododendron, etc., to replace the existing overgrown, crowded material which must first be cleared out before replanting. Our Japanese gardens will also require many more labor hours as well as money before completion, at least 175 man-years would be necessary. Therefore, I would say that if funds were available, I could certainly utilize a substantial number of workers to complete and maintain our various projects. Thank you for your interest in our park. DEAR SENATOR NELSON: It is with deep regret that I advise that our distinguished general manager, Mr. Jefferies, died on April 20, 1964. Your letter to him requesting specific information relative to your proposed legislation to provide funds to Federal, State, county, and municipal agencies to utilize unemployed workers on conservation projects has been referred to me for answer. We list herein projects which could be done without extensive new preparations and on which unemployed workers could be utilized if funds for such programs were available. (a) Roads, trails, and bridges. Roads into forest areas for fire protec- (c) Forest development and utilization provisions, including recreation facilities-‒‒‒ (d) Small impoundment dams-water and erosion control, recreational purposes- (e) Items of forestry improvement-reseeding, reforestation, timber Total $100,000 40, 000 85,000 60,000 150, 000 85,000 520,000 If the above projects were acceptable and the program utilized, we estimate that at least 125 man-years of work could be usefully undertaken. If additional information is needed, please let us know. Yours very truly, W. CARL WALSH, Manager of General Maintenance. |