From the Richmond Times-Dispatch, 7/21/1911, p. 12, c. 2

SEASON TO CLOSE EARLIER IN FALL
Playground Money Runs Short, So Kids Can’t Ramble After September 15.

All public playgrounds in Richmond will be closed this year on September 15, exactly one-half month earlier than in previous years. This was decided at a meeting of the the Grounds and Buildings Committee last night. The reason assigned for the early closing was that the money allotted for playground purposes had not proved sufficient to keep these places where the young may keep out of mischief open as long as was first intended.

It appears that the Council appropriated the amount asked for by the committee, but some miscalculation was made, for at this time the monthly allowances for the several playgrounds has been exceeded, and, it was pointed out, if the same rate is maintained until the close of the season, the Playgrounds Committee will be deeply in the hole. It was upon motion of Councilman Selph that the cutting off of fifteen days was agreed upon.

It was further determined to close the grounds at the Van Lew place at once and to transfer the equipment now there to Springfield School. The reason assigned for closing the grounds is that there is so small an attendance that it does not warrant the expense attached.

Complaint was made by Councilman Powell that the laborers on Chimborazo and Marshall Parks were not working the specified nine hours a day, but were getting paid therefor. The City Engineer was instructed to call the keepers of the parks in question before the committee to explain why this condition exists.

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