The Moberly Monitor-Index and Moberly Evening Democrat reported a significant development for Rothwell Park with the launch of a new National Youth Administration (NYA) project. Set to commence on Monday, the project aims to undertake comprehensive repairs and improvements throughout the park. C. A. Neiswender, director of District 1 of the NYA, announced the details, highlighting the employment of 80 youths and one supervisor, P. L. Patton, for the endeavor.

The project, which calls for construction, repairs, remodeling, and painting of various recreational facilities, will involve an expenditure of $3,696 in federal funds, supplemented by $1,244 from the Park Board. The Park Board’s contribution includes $984 for equipment and $260 for materials. The project is expected to be completed within three months.

Planned Improvements

• Painting and Renovation: The bath house and dance pavilion will receive fresh coats of paint, and the three log cabins in the park will undergo renovation and painting of their woodwork.
• Shelter House Enhancements: A clay and gravel floor will be placed in the new shelter house.
• New Park Benches: Twenty new park benches will be constructed, each four feet long, three feet high, and twelve inches thick, positioned on the lake shore west of the bathhouse.
• Negro Swimming Pool Facilities: Two dressing rooms will be constructed at the Negro swimming pools within the designated Negro section of the park.
• Grounds Maintenance: Trees and shrubs will be trimmed, grounds leveled and cleaned where needed, and various repairs and constructions of walks, drives, and roadways will be carried out.

NYA’s Broader Impact

District 1 of the National Youth Administration, overseen by Neiswender, includes 44 counties north of the Missouri River, with offices in Moberly, Hannibal, and St. Joseph. The district anticipates engaging 2,500 youths aged 18 to 24 in various projects over the next 60 days. The Moberly office, in particular, is enhancing its intake and certification processes, necessitating additional equipment to manage the increased activity.

This ambitious project not only aims to revitalize Rothwell Park but also provides valuable employment and skill-building opportunities for local youth. The collaborative effort between federal and local resources underscores a commitment to improving community spaces and fostering youth development.

This historical account, based on archives from The State Historical Society of Missouri, highlights the transformative initiatives undertaken by the NYA to enhance public recreational facilities while addressing youth unemployment during the mid-20th century.