Spring is here; birds have been singing for weeks; the song sparrow joined the chorus a few days ago, and the spry little red bird gave assistance with his low off-key notes. New grass is peeping from last autumns dead leaves and little rosebuds have ventured forth, here and there. Yes, spring is here.
The kiddies and grownups too are almost wild with glee at being out of doors after such a long and bitter winter that kept them pent up indoors.
Soon anxious little feet will stray down to Preston Avenue and across the road to Washington Park; little feet, mischievous little hands and happy little hearts bent on having fun and enjoying health in God's great out-of-doors. But what a disappointing sight will meet their dancing and eager eyes! Bravely, but seemingly, painfully "Old Glory" barely holds its own, high up on a home-made flag pole; its dingy color and battered condition will serve as a grim reminder of the cold and bitter winter. Then the few benches that once graced the shady grove are fewer, a silent but emphatic sign that a cold night caught some one with an empty wood box. Even a few of the steady old oaks, that gave coolness and shade last season, are no more.
Washington Park is not only failing to develop, but also going backwards! Something must be done; action is needed at once!
Six years ago the "spot" was selected and donated to the Negroes of Charlottesville for a park and recreational center. It is still just a "spot". Think of what tired little kids are missing and tired grown-ups too. The tract is beautiful; it could be developed into a lovely place that would do honor to the Negroes of this city.
Definite plans are needed, such as our Present Park Committee seems not to have. When you sell pins next winter for starving Eskimos, or build wooden shoes for orphan Dutch boys, after your task of foreign missions is completed, after you have wrapped your package and sent it for relief, perhaps 100,000 miles away-pause a minute; think of the little kiddies, and of undeveloped Washington Park, and if you are impressed, suggest to your pastor or the president of your club that something sould be done for Domestic Missions.