Public opinion is practically unanimous on the need of facilities for water sports. There is also a very general agreement upon the most suitable site for the proposed addition to the city's playgrounds.

The site now under consideration is that popularly known as Black Point Cove, located immediately east of Black Point, or Fort Mason, extending to Fishermen's Wharf– that is, from Van Ness avenue to Hyde street.

The sheet of water thus enclosed is in every way–accomodations for boating and swimming, accessibility from the principal residence districts, etc.–well adapted to the purpose in view. Moreover, it is the only part of the waterfront now remaining for the purpose in view.

The people of San Francisco have twice (in 1909 and 1912) voted in favor of the acquisition of Black Point Cove. Only the fact that upon each occasion public opinion was divided between many projects, each making a special appeal to "local pride" has heretofore prevented the voters from giving the necessary two-thirds majority in favor of the Aquatic Park project. Parenthetically it is interesting to note that the same cause resulted in the defeat of all the other projects then voted upon.

The city authorities would make a serious mistake should they base their conclusions solely upon consideration of real estate values.

On the other hand, they will make no mistake in basing their estimate of the value of the land on Black Point Cove upon consideration of what their lands are worth from the standpoint of public health and pleasure.