SA Series 6508 AV

              SA Series 6508 AV
Columbus Division of Recreation and Parks
Photographs of Recreation and Parks
Page 1
OHIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
State Archives Record Series
SA Series 6508AV
Columbus Division of Recreation and Parks
Photographs of Recreation and Parks
OVERVIEW OF THE SERIES
Series Number: SA Series 6508 AV
Creating Agency: Columbus Division of Recreation and Parks
Series Title: Photographs of Recreation and Parks
Dates of Series: 1964-1976
Media: Photographs & Negatives
Quantity: 3.5 Cubic Feet
Location: Ohio Historical Center
AGENCY BACKGROUND
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Commission was created in 1972 with the merger
of the separate Franklin Park Commission and Recreation Commission. The separate
commissions were founded in the early twentieth century. The Franklin Park
Commission was founded in 1914 to advise the Superintendent of the city’s nine public
parks. The Recreation Commission was founded in 1910 to create recreational facilities
and programs for the public.
In the 1910s and early 1920s schools, the City Hall auditorium, an old public market, and
an old shelter house were all used as indoor recreation centers. These centers offered
activities such as basketball, gymnastics, and tennis. Both sexes used the facilities, but
they were strictly segregated. In 1926, Beatty, the first specifically built recreation center
was erected. In this same year social programs were started that included cultural
activities such as, drama and music.
By the early 1930’s the nation had entered the Great Depression, however the
recreation centers remained open. During this time volunteers were used and some
improvements were made to recreation facilities through federal public works programs
like the Works Progress Administration. During World War II the Red Cross, Draft
Boards, Rationing Boards, and Civil Defense Corps used the centers. Dances for
service men were held at recreation centers and they stored recyclable materials
collected for the war effort.
Comment [LG1]: This is a bit
unclear, perhaps including a date
span would help.
Comment [LG2]: Improvements
were made to the creation centers?