PHYSICAL FITNESS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 35, 11 February 1939, Page 12

PHYSICAL FITNESS.

SPACE FOR PLAY.

ACCURATE SURVEYS NEEDED.

ON POPULATION BASIS,

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, this dav.

A helpful contribution to the physical fitness campaign is given by the Hon. J. MeLeod. M.L.C'.. chairman of the New Zealand Association of Representatives of Reserves Committees and Park Superintendents. In reference to the numerous committees which arc being set up under the Physical Welfare and Recreation Act. he states that their first and most imporj tant task will be to make a thorough I survey of the facilities available within their respective districts. These surveys. when completed and correlated and studied in relation to population trends, should form a complete picture of the recreational needs of each district and of the Dominion as a whole, and form the basis for a well-balanced and co-ordinated scheme of future development. "I am satisfied," says Mr. MeLeod, j '"that the national survey which is about to be undertaken will show a deplorable deficiency, in the great majority of towns, in the matter of permanent open spaces available for parks and recreational purposes, judged by the accepted standards of other countries. Minimum Standards. "Now I am going to put forward as a basis of discussion what I consider to be the minimum standards which should be aimed at by the responsible authorities in New Zealand. I have adopted the English system of calculation in age groups, radii of efficiency and acres , per thousand of population ratfcir than j our crude system of percentages of | gross land area, which may mean one : acr e of playing fields for anything from one hundred to ten thousand persons, according to the density of population. "For -what is ealled the kindergarten age, namely, from one to five, there should be provided in the more densely built-up urban areas at least one playground of not less than half an acre per thousand, of population, and at intervals of not JOOre than half a mile. These grounds should be so located that it should not be necessary for children to cross a traffic street, and tliey should be laid out as a restful and shadyretreat for those who are supervising the childrens' play. "For the age group, five to ten inclusive, there should be provided grounds of not less than one acre per thousand of population, at intervals of not more than half a mile. These playgrounds should be equipped with play facilities which will encourage initiative and enterprise on the part of the children and planted for shade and aesthetic effect. ... Sexes Separated. "For the age group eleven to fifteen inclusive, there should be provided grounds of hot less than two acres per thousand of population, in areas of not less than five acres, at intervals of not ; more than half a mile, in which separate provision is made for boys and | girls and for the playing of organised | games. The grounds should be planted

for shade and aesthetic effect and equipped with buildings -which can be utilised as gymnasia or for indoor games during inclement weather. -

"For the age group sixteen to twentyfive inclusive, there should be provided grounds of not less, thai) two acres per thousand of populatiop, in areas of not less than ten acres, and at intervals of aot more than two miles. These grounds should be designed and equipped for active recreation for both sexes and should coritain facilities for football, 7 cricket, hockey, baseball and basketball grounds and tennis courts. It may be convenient, too, to include a gymnasium and swimming pool in the layout. The grounds should be planted for shelter and aesthetic effect. "For the age group over twenty-five, Ac. age which, theoretically,, marks the end ©f_ a man's participation in the more violent forms' of recreation, there should. be provided one acre of ground per thousand of -population for games such as bowla and croquet. .'Tor every ten thousand of population there should be provided in convenient locations one eighteep-hole golf course, one swimming pool and one gymnasium. "For every thousand of population -there should be provided one athletic, ground, withthe facilities based on Olympic standards, and with suitable accommodation for spectators. This ground, of course, would ,be used for important football and cricket fixtures, 'as well: as .athletic training and events. • , • Educational Centre.

'Tor every thirty thousand inhabitants j there should.' be a self-contained community recreational and social centre, which may, or may not, contain all or any Of' the facilities already enumerated, but which should be .regarded as the educational centre in connection' with physical welfare and recreation for all- age groups' And for various cultural activities.

"For every Urban centre of twenty thousand people or over there should be provided and maintained within a radius of twenty miles a country park of not less than one hundred acres, - with twenty or thirty acres of native bush and running water, whi.ch can be used for school outings, nature studies, picnics; motor camping grounds, ctc. "There should' be provided in every age centre of population where access to the country is difficult, educational recreational facilities such as 'botanical gardens, aboretums, zoological gardens and museums.

"If you will add up these areas, excluding country parks, golf courses and the educational facilities, you will find that the minimum area for active recreation which I am suggesting work 3 out at approximately 7J acres per one thousand of population. Shall we say, ten acres for one thousand for all purposes other than country parks and golf courses ?

'•'Some may think that such a high standard would be difficult, if not impossible, of attainment. Personally, I think that in this young country anything and everything is possible if we have the will and the inspiration to do it. I would say, with the late Daniel Burnham, the architect, 'make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood.'" j