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Letter to Editor
April 24, 1958
Greenbelt News Review
Greenbelt, Prince George's County, Maryland
What is this article about?
Resident Patricia S. Thomas of Greenbelt's Plateau Place writes to the editor suggesting improvements to inadequate playground equipment and dangerous sidewalks in the Defense Housing area, feeling neglected despite the community's appeal.
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Full Text
A "FORGOTTEN PEOPLE"
To the Editor:
In the April 17 issue of the News Review you stated you wanted suggestions about improving our community. I have had a few in mind for some time and thought this would be a good opportunity to tell about them.
The suggestions are not only mine, as they are ideas my neighbors and I have shared and talked about for almost three years and during which time nothing has ever been done. For one thing, the playground equipment in our area is very inadequate for the number of children having to use it. In our row of six homes there are 16 children—probably a fairly average number found everywhere in Greenbelt, in the Defense Housing especially. In the playground there are two swings—but what are these among so many? There are several rows of houses having to use this playground site. Children constantly climb (and are pulling down) my fence to reach two swings I have in my yard. I believe we have great need of see-saws, monkey bars and perhaps even a sand box for the little ones so they won't be digging up the yards. Until these things are provided, we will have to put up with torn down fences and dug up yards (which we are reminded in various news items to keep in good condition.)
Another condition, and a dangerous one, is the torn up sidewalk. Our walk between the houses of our court is nothing but crumbled stones now, and on many occasions I have turned an ankle or slipped on the loose stones.
So many people have commented on how lovely Greenbelt is as you enter, but when you come back in our court it looks sadly neglected as far as grass, trees and repairs are concerned. Are we a "forgotten people" up here on Plateau Place?
Despite my complaints, I like Greenbelt and hope some good things come from this "Clean-Up Campaign."
Patricia S. Thomas,
6-C Plateau Place
To the Editor:
In the April 17 issue of the News Review you stated you wanted suggestions about improving our community. I have had a few in mind for some time and thought this would be a good opportunity to tell about them.
The suggestions are not only mine, as they are ideas my neighbors and I have shared and talked about for almost three years and during which time nothing has ever been done. For one thing, the playground equipment in our area is very inadequate for the number of children having to use it. In our row of six homes there are 16 children—probably a fairly average number found everywhere in Greenbelt, in the Defense Housing especially. In the playground there are two swings—but what are these among so many? There are several rows of houses having to use this playground site. Children constantly climb (and are pulling down) my fence to reach two swings I have in my yard. I believe we have great need of see-saws, monkey bars and perhaps even a sand box for the little ones so they won't be digging up the yards. Until these things are provided, we will have to put up with torn down fences and dug up yards (which we are reminded in various news items to keep in good condition.)
Another condition, and a dangerous one, is the torn up sidewalk. Our walk between the houses of our court is nothing but crumbled stones now, and on many occasions I have turned an ankle or slipped on the loose stones.
So many people have commented on how lovely Greenbelt is as you enter, but when you come back in our court it looks sadly neglected as far as grass, trees and repairs are concerned. Are we a "forgotten people" up here on Plateau Place?
Despite my complaints, I like Greenbelt and hope some good things come from this "Clean-Up Campaign."
Patricia S. Thomas,
6-C Plateau Place
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Social Critique
Informative
What themes does it cover?
Infrastructure
Social Issues
What keywords are associated?
Greenbelt Community
Playground Equipment
Sidewalk Repairs
Defense Housing
Child Safety
Community Neglect
What entities or persons were involved?
Patricia S. Thomas, 6 C Plateau Place
To The Editor
Letter to Editor Details
Author
Patricia S. Thomas, 6 C Plateau Place
Recipient
To The Editor
Main Argument
the playground equipment in the defense housing area of greenbelt is inadequate for the many children, needing additions like see-saws, monkey bars, and a sandbox; sidewalks are dangerously torn up; the area feels neglected compared to the rest of the community.
Notable Details
References April 17 Issue Of News Review
16 Children In Row Of Six Homes
Two Swings In Playground
Children Climbing Fence For Swings
Torn Up Sidewalk Causing Slips
Question: Are We A 'Forgotten People' On Plateau Place?
Hope For 'Clean Up Campaign'