Keeton, Grover 1973-08-29
Grover Keeton, Coordinator/Supervisor of Municipal Athletics for the Dallas Recreational Park System, discusses the history of the park system, its problems and the services it provides to the Dallas Community.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Grover Keeton
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: August 29, 1973
Location: Dallas, Texas
Interviewer: Harry A. Jebsen
Length: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Background,
U. S. Navy,
Education,
Southern Methodist University,
Coordinator/Supervisor of Municipal Athletics (Dallas),
Description of facilities,
World War II’s effect on athletics,
Recreational park facilities in Dallas,
Park users,
Recreation centers,
Retirement programs,
Volunteer activities,
Designed to meet individual’s needs,
Budget,
Samuel Fund,
Operating funds,
Manpower,
Land acquisition,
Cooperation with nearby municipalities,
Citizens’ cooperation and funding,
Importance of city planning.
Tape 1, Side 2: Recreational park facilities (continued),
Importance of park systems,
Community integration,
Racial integration,
Golf course,
Swimming pool,
Different activities,
Employment practices,
Commercial park facilities,
Six Flags Over Texas,
Impact on non-commercial park facilities,
Fair Park (Dallas),
Re-evaluation of park facilities,
Need for flexibility,
Effects of adverse publicity,
Park identification.
Tape 2, Side 1: Recreational park facilities (continued),
Drug culture problem (late 1960s),
Curfew,
Park Board,
Political pressure,
City officials,
Job security,
Individuals who contributed to Dallas park system,
Importance of president,
Park system’s future,
Open park board meetings,
Cultural activities,
Role of park director,
City bond programs,
Additional park facilities,
Tax impact.
Tape 2, Side 2: Blank
Range Dates: c. 1940-1973
Bulk Dates: c. 1940-1973
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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