The governing authorities of municipalities shall have the power and authority to own, operate, and regulate, for public recreation and pleasure purposes, on any tidewaters or navigable streams within or on the border of the municipal limits, piers, pavilions, bath houses, and other like appropriate structures, either by the use of streets or public landings of the municipality or landings purchased or procured for the purpose. Said municipal governing authorities are authorized to issue municipal bonds for the purpose of the acquisition and construction of the aforesaid improvements, such bonds to be issued under the general statutes of the state as in other cases.