CITY PARKS.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20836, 21 April 1933, Page 8

CITY PARKS.

SHORTAGE IN MANY DISTRICTS. LECTURE BY Mil M. J. BARNETT "At one time parks in the city were looked upon by some as beingexpensive amenities which could perhaps be done without or reduced to a minimum. It is, however, generally recognised to-day that the provision and embellishment of parks, recreation areas, and open spaces is essentially one of the fundamental requirements of the city," said Mr M. J. Barnctt, superintendent of city reserves, when lecturing last evening to the Christchurch branch of the Town Planning Institute on horticulture in relation to town planning. "Recreation areas properly equipped and developed play an important part in moulding the character of the citizens, particularly the youth of the city," he said. "From the hygienic point of view parks are as important in the life of a city as the most elaborate drainage system." The amount of space that should be set aside for recreation or park purposes was a somewhat debatable point, Mr Barnett continued. In some'cities 10 and even 20 per cent, of the total area was devoted to parks and open spaces; while in others the acreage of park lands was based on the population—one acre of park land for every 100 of population. In Christchurch the area devoted to parks was slightly less than 10 per cent, of the area of the city, but on a population basis the area was in excess of one acre to every 100 of population, provided that, as well as Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, Victoria Park, and Burwood Park, which were really outside the city boundary, were included. Inadequate Provision. "If the position in Christchurch is analysed," said Mr Barnett, "it will be found that some districts are inadequately provided for, while others have no recreation areas at all. Richmond has a fairly dense population and an area of 562 acres, but has only one small park of seven acres, and that not situated where it would be of the most service to the residents. Avonside has an area of 325 acres and is almost completely built upon, but in the way of parks has only a small reserve of about one quarter of an acre. St. Martins with an area of 189 acres has one small reserve of about half an acre. Opawa with an area of 275 acres has no reserve whatsoever. The southwestern part of Spreydon, or what is now called Somerfield. has one small area of a little more than halt an acre. "It will be seen from these figuies that some of our suburban districts are bv no means adequately provided "for with parks and recreation areas. What is going to happen in 50 years' time, when every available section will be built upon and when the city will have to extend far beyond its present boundaries? It is essentially the work of the townplanning expert to do his utmost to provide recreation area?, which should be in keeping with the present and future density oi the population, but which will also provide a system of parks that wili -ewe all districts and all classes ui L-j- community, and which will hfev* that degree of accessibility win en will make them serviceable." Making New Parks. Once park areas had been procured and definitely set aside, continued Mr Barnett, a landscape architect should, in collaboration with the town-planning expert, carefully prepare plans for the future guidance of those responsible for the preparation and maintenance of each separate park. In drawing up the design every feature that would have a bearing on the future development of the park would need careful consideration. The question of drains, an adequate water system, entrances and walks, lawns and playing fields, playgrounds, shelter and shade trees, flower displays and other ornamental features, band rotundas, and park buildings should be considered individually in relation to one another and to the design of the park as a whole. "The ideal park," added Mr Barnett, "should be of sufficient area and should be so designed that it will not only provide space for outdoor exercise, but will have its aesthetic value also. The fundamental purpose of any city or suburban park is to give the people an opportunity for rest and outdoor enjoyment." Children's Playgrounds.

One important feature of townplanning was the provision of children's playgrounds. In addition to the playgrounds in the larger parks, areas were required in the more densely populated districts for playgrounds for the younger children. One authority had stated that these areas should be situated within a quarter of a mile of each other. At one time the children had depended on the back streets and vacant sections for their playgrounds. The increased speed of vehicular traffic, however, had rendered the back streets unsafe for such a purpose, and the vacant sections were rapidly disappearing. It was the duty of the municipal authorities to provide areas where the children would be safe and unmolested and also to provide equipment which would keep them interested and healthily amused. Mr Barnett discussed in detail the important part played by trees in the life and well-being of a city and described the problems of planting and growing them in city streets. He was accorded an enthusiastic vote of thanks for his address. *- ■ -"-